'Real Doll Experience Rooms' Increase, Controversy Grows
"Young Female College Students" Comparison... Debate Over Sexual Shame Induction
"Will Instill Bad Sexual Values" vs "Positive Role in Self-Realization" Divided Opinions
Controversy has arisen over the import and sale of real dolls, adult products modeled after the human body and face. The photo is unrelated to specific expressions in the article. / Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Ju-hyung] Recently, the so-called 'Real Doll Experience Rooms,' establishments where adult products called 'real dolls' can be rented or used, have been increasing, reigniting controversy over the allowance of real dolls. In particular, the fact that one experience room promoted its real doll products by comparing them to students of a specific women's university has sparked a controversy over causing 'sexual shame.'
Real dolls have been a subject of controversy since they were first imported into Korea. Opponents of the import and sale of these products point out their unique characteristics. Due to the product's nature of precisely imitating the human body and face, they argue that real dolls can instill incorrect sexual perceptions and cause sexual shame to women. On the other hand, some argue that the free use of adult sex toys by adults cannot be restricted.
◆"Ladies from Women's University Just Came Back from the Beauty Salon"... Ongoing Real Doll Controversy
On the 12th of last month, a post titled "Ladies from ×× Women's University Just Came Back from the Beauty Salon" was uploaded on an internet community. This post was written by an operator of a real doll experience room in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, for promotional purposes. The business operates near the location of ×× Women's University and compared their real dolls to female university students.
A promotional post uploaded last month by a real doll experience room business in Seoul on an online community. / Photo by Internet Community Capture
As the promotional post became known belatedly, the students responded. The feminist club 'RADSBOS' at ×× Women's University issued a statement titled "We Are Neither Dolls Nor Sex Toys" on the 20th, condemning the establishment by saying, "This place used men's 'female university student fantasies' as a business strategy."
This is not the first time real doll experience rooms have come under public scrutiny. Previously, some businesses opened near elementary, middle, and high schools as well as childcare facilities, which led to strong opposition from local residents and forced closures.
Real dolls have been controversial since their importation into Korea, especially regarding customs clearance approval. The Korea Customs Service had previously denied importation on the grounds that real dolls were "items that disrupt constitutional order or offend public morals." However, in 2017, a real doll import company filed a lawsuit against customs to cancel the suspension of import clearance, escalating the controversy.
In June 2019, the Supreme Court finalized a ruling that upheld the second trial court's decision favoring the import company, stating that "state intervention in private and intimate areas should be minimized," bringing the case to a close. Nevertheless, debates over the rental and sale of real dolls continue.
◆Imitation of Celebrity Faces and AI Integration... Concerns Over Sexual Objectification
Opponents of real doll use emphasize the product's unique characteristics. They argue that real dolls, made to closely resemble humans, can cause sexual shame to many women.
Real dolls are dolls made from silicone. They are characterized by their realistic depiction of human body parts and textures. Especially, the latest products have enhanced precision due to technological advancements, making them almost indistinguishable from humans. Some real dolls have been developed by using the faces of famous celebrities and broadcasters or depicting child bodies.
Chinese real doll manufacturer 'Exdoll' announced plans to develop advanced real dolls equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and voice recognition features, sparking controversy. / Photo by YouTube Capture
Some high-end products incorporate IT technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance realism. The Chinese real doll manufacturer 'Exdoll' recently announced plans to produce real dolls equipped with voice recognition, speaking functions, and Wi-Fi, which sparked controversy.
Consequently, women's groups express concerns that real dolls could be misused as tools for sexual objectification of women.
Seo Seung-hee, director of the Korea Cyber Sexual Violence Response Center, stated in an interview with CBS's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' "Real dolls are not simply reproductions of women but make women feel that they exist in a world where women are reduced to objects for men's sexual gratification," adding, "This is an infringement on women's personal rights."
◆"Problems Are Inevitable" vs. "There Are Positive Functions for Self-Realization"
Opinions among citizens are divided over whether to allow the import and sale of real dolls.
A 20-something office worker, Mr. A, said, "It seems difficult to prevent real dolls that imitate other people's faces and bodies. Wouldn't that be an infringement of portrait rights? Since problems are bound to arise, I think banning their use is appropriate."
Housewife Ms. B (48) said, "I was shocked that photos of dolls are openly displayed in places where children frequently pass by," pointing out, "There is a concern that it could instill bad sexual perceptions in growing adolescents, such as sexual objectification."
On the afternoon of September 28, 2019, participants shouted slogans at the 'Protest Against the Ruling Allowing Real Doll Imports' held at Cheonggye Plaza in Seoul. / Photo by Yonhap News
On the other hand, some argue that using real dolls is a matter of personal freedom. Office worker Ms. C (28) said, "Although adult products can be somewhat unpleasant, they are ultimately just dolls," adding, "No one is actually harmed by using real dolls, and banning them simply because they cause discomfort without any other reason is wrong."
There are also claims that real dolls can serve as 'tools for self-realization' for people with physical disabilities.
Lee Sang-jin, CEO of a real doll import company, appeared on YTN Radio's 'Hwang Bo-seon's Start of a New Morning' on the 21st and said, "Representatives of disability organizations also support real dolls. They help alleviate the lack and loneliness of those without spouses and serve as tools for self-realization," emphasizing, "As long as the rights of real individuals are not violated, (real dolls) should be recognized as creative works with rights."
◆Legislation to Regulate the Real Doll Industry Proposed
Meanwhile, bills regulating the real doll industry have been proposed in the National Assembly. On the 19th, Kim Yong-pan, a member of the People Power Party, introduced the 'Partial Amendment to the Act on the Protection of Educational Environment' as the main proposer. This bill aims to prohibit the operation of real doll experience rooms near educational facilities.
On the 4th of last month, Song Ki-heon of the Democratic Party also proposed a bill to regulate the possession of real dolls.
At that time, Representative Song introduced the 'Partial Amendment to the Act on the Protection of Children and Youth from Sexual Abuse' and the 'Partial Amendment to the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Sexual Crimes,' respectively. These bills focus on regulating the production, sale, and possession of real dolls shaped like children and youth, as well as prohibiting the creation of real dolls modeled after specific individuals such as celebrities, acquaintances, or ex-partners.
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