Currently, only partial body depictions such as half-body types are available
In October 2019, during the comprehensive audit of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy held by the Industry, Trade, Energy, Small and Medium Enterprises Committee at the National Assembly, Independent Assemblyman Lee Yong-ju is seen questioning while showing a real doll. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Culture Young Intern Reporter] The Korea Customs Service is planning to allow the importation of full-body "realdolls," adult products modeled after the human body.
On the 30th, the Korea Customs Service announced that it is reviewing guidelines to permit the importation of full-body realdolls. Currently, customs authorities only allow the importation of half-body realdolls or those depicting partial body parts, but this move aims to expand the range of permitted items.
This measure follows court rulings that have consecutively allowed the importation of realdolls, citing the need to minimize state intervention in private matters. Until now, the Korea Customs Service had classified realdolls as obscene materials and withheld their importation under customs law. However, importers filed lawsuits demanding permission to import, and following court decisions permitting importation, some items have been allowed since the end of June.
The Korea Customs Service plans to establish standards to allow the importation of full-body realdolls, with the timing and detailed guidelines to be finalized through consultations with relevant government departments.
Previously, the Supreme Court ruled that the importation of realdolls modeled after minors should be prohibited. However, concerns have been raised that importing half-body realdolls separately and assembling them into full-body dolls makes withholding full-body realdoll imports impractical.
The debate surrounding realdolls is intensifying. Critics argue that realdolls sexualize women and undermine human dignity. They also point out that realdolls excessively depict the female body, and some products resemble children or specific individuals, potentially fostering distorted sexual concepts and increasing the risk of sexual crimes against children.
Supporters of realdolls argue that "individual freedom must be respected." They claim that adult products for sexual satisfaction are a deeply private matter and that prohibiting the importation of realdolls infringes on personal happiness without just cause.
Some countries recognize realdolls as sexual devices and permit their import and sale. However, most prohibit the import and distribution of realdolls resembling the body shape and size of children or those modeled after specific individuals.
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