[Report] "Full of Sexual Function Ads" Subway Restrooms Flooded with Illegal Advertisements

Subway Restroom 'Sexual Function Enhancement' Illegal Advertisements Cause Outrage
Citizens Express Concerns Over Side Effects and Children's Education
Seoul Metro Warns of Sanctions and Legal Action if Behavior Persists

Illegal sexual enhancement drug advertisements sprayed in the restroom of Jongno 3-ga Station, Seoul. Photo by Min Jun-young, intern reporter mjy7051@asiae.co.kr

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon, Intern Reporter Min Jun-young] "It's embarrassing every time I see these illegal advertisements in the restroom. Children also come and go, so it's not good educationally, and moreover, these must be illegal drugs..."

Recently, office worker A (55) who met in the men's restroom of Seoul Subway Line 6 said this while looking at illegal harmful advertisements scattered around the restroom.

The advertisement, which claims to enhance sexual function, included phrases such as "directly imported from the USA" and "officially approved product."

However, it is impossible to know from the advertisement alone whether the drug is effective or if it is sold through official procedures. Also, it is not easy to receive compensation for side effects. If the phone number on the advertisement does not connect, there is practically no channel for inquiries.

Illegal sexual function advertisement flyers are being distributed mainly in subway restrooms, causing frowns. Not only is the drug's effectiveness questionable, but the side effects and the negative impact on children and adolescents who use the restrooms are also concerns.

Under current law, unauthorized posting of advertisements is subject to minor offense penalties. According to related law (Minor Offenses Act Article 3, Paragraph 1, Item 9), anyone who carelessly posts advertisements may be fined up to 100,000 KRW or detained.

Nevertheless, illegal advertisements centered around restrooms have not decreased. At the restroom entrance, there is a warning notice posted by the station saying, "Distribution and posting of harmful advertisement cards prohibited. Legal action will be taken if caught," but it is practically ineffective.

There are also limitations to enforcement. Since restrooms are used by unspecified many people, if the person distributing the advertisements enters as a restroom user, it is virtually impossible to identify them.

A warning sign prohibiting the posting of 'harmful advertising business cards' in a public restroom on Seoul Subway Line 6. Photo by Min Jun-young, intern reporter mjy7051@asiae.co.kr

There are also concerns that these advertisements may promote incorrect sexual awareness from the perspective of adolescents. Office worker B (36), who met in a restroom with illegal sexual function advertisements, said, "My child asked me what these illegal cards meant, and I was at a loss."

He added, "Even though there are children, advertising products just for promotion was uncomfortable from an educational standpoint," and criticized, "Enforcement should be thorough and fines should be increased."

Adolescents have shown behaviors such as trying to contact the phone numbers on illegal advertisements, revealing the social harm caused by illegal advertisements in restrooms.

Middle school student D (15) said, "At first, I didn't know what the content on the advertisement cards meant, so I was curious," and added, "Last year, my friends told me, and I couldn't understand why these were left in the restroom."

He continued, "Some friends even took the cards and tried calling out of curiosity," and pointed out, "They advertise in places where children and adolescents can see, so it's fortunate if they don't sell illegal drugs to us."

The situation is the same not only on Line 6 but also in the restrooms at Jongno 3-ga Station on Seoul Subway Lines 1, 3, and 5.

An elderly man in his 70s, who met in one restroom, said, "I've seen it so much now that I'm numb to it," and added, "Adults can ignore and pass by, but I don't know what they are trying to do when young students see this," as he threw the illegal advertisement into the trash bin.

The photo is not related to any specific expression in the article. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Experts have suggested that illegal flyers should be cracked down on because they can instill distorted sexual knowledge in adolescents.

Professor Kwak Geum-ju of Seoul National University's Department of Psychology expressed concern, saying, "Children and adolescents, who are curious about sex, can be implanted with incorrect sexual knowledge when they see illegal harmful cards." She added, "Sex education should not only take place in educational settings but also continue outside of school," emphasizing, "Otherwise, adolescents may acquire irrational information about sex."

Professor Kwak added, "If adolescents develop incorrect interests in sex, it can disrupt normal life," and said, "One phrase in the advertisement may not have an absolute impact, but it can be a trigger for forming incorrect sexual knowledge and values."

Meanwhile, a Seoul Metro official stated that enforcement against illegal flyers will be strengthened.

The official explained in a phone interview with Asia Economy, "It is difficult to crack down because encounters with people distributing illegal cards are rare," and added, "Cleaning workers and subway station staff patrol to remove cards and impose sanctions if they witness the act directly." He emphasized, "If the behavior continues, we may take legal action such as complaints and prosecutions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.