Incheon Queer Culture Festival held at City Hall plaza for first time

The 9th Incheon Queer Culture Festival opened on October 17 at the Incheon City Hall Aetdeul Plaza. This marks the first time a public institution in Incheon has officially accepted a location use report for the festival.

In previous years, the festival faced administrative hurdles, with Incheon City denying requests to use public spaces due to concerns over public order and social conflict. Following a lawsuit by the festival organizing committee, a court ruled that the city's previous refusal violated the freedom of assembly. While the city is currently appealing that decision in a second trial, officials stated they accepted this year's application without a separate committee review, acknowledging the court's emphasis on assembly rights.

The event featured 31 booths, drag performances, and a parade through the Guwol-dong area. Approximately 500 participants attended, while religious groups held a counter-protest nearby with about 500 people. To prevent physical altercations, police deployed approximately 900 officers, including 11 riot police companies, though no clashes were reported.