Fridae

Incheon has ended its court fight with the organisers of its queer festival. On 12 November, the city said South Korea’s Justice Ministry had told it to drop plans for a further appeal. The place in question was Aetteul Plaza, the square outside City Hall.

In 2025, the city turned down the organisers’ notice to use the square. It cited concerns about public order, public morals and possible conflict. The organisers challenged the decision in court and went ahead with the festival at Aetteul Plaza on 6 September.

The city said it had considered a further appeal to defend its authority to manage the plaza. It said the first court and the appeals court both found that rejecting the notice violated the organisers’ freedom of assembly.

On 17 October this year, the festival returned to Aetteul Plaza. The city had accepted the organisers’ notice. There were community booths and performances in the square. The organisers chose “The rainbow beside you” as the theme.