Adult content studio near Seoul elementary school raises concern among parents, residents
Published: 26 Apr. 2026, 15:05
![Instagram posts from an adult content streaming studio located near an elementary school in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. [SCREEN CAPTURE]](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/data/photo/2026/04/26/eef5e64a-f7d5-40b6-af09-0343243a8494.jpg)
Instagram posts from an adult content streaming studio located near an elementary school in Gangnam District, southern Seoul. [SCREEN CAPTURE]
An adult content streaming studio operating near an elementary school in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, is drawing backlash from parents and residents, but authorities say there is no clear legal basis to regulate or relocate the business.
The studio, located in a basement about 100 meters (328 feet) from the school, produces content in which female streamers perform provocative dances and compete for viewer donations. The National Tax Service has classified such content as a cyber “room salon,” a nightlife venue where hosts provide drinking companionship and entertainment.
Children from the school have reportedly seen female streamers from the establishment wearing revealing outfits and smoking or filming outside the building. Some are already aware of such adult online content.
“It’s hard to explain to children why the streamers are dressed like that,” one parent said. “The fact that this is openly visible along a route to school is a problem.”
A joint inspection by local authorities, police and the education office failed to produce concrete action. The business is registered as a studio rental service, which does not fall within restricted categories within school protection zones and does not clearly meet the legal definition of an institution classified as harmful to youth.
Authorities ultimately issued only recommendations to the streamers, such as refraining from smoking outside and being mindful of attire. Gangnam District officials noted that further measures are difficult due to unclear legal grounds.
Experts warn that the case reflects a widening gap between rapidly evolving content industries and outdated regulatory frameworks. Even indirect exposure to adult content environments during developmental years could have psychological and cognitive effects.
As controversy grows, calls are increasing to revise standards for protecting school environments and redefine what constitutes a harmful business.
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY JEONG JAE-HONG [[email protected]]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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