Why the Audience Watching 'Pamyo' Was Startled by a Strange Sound from Somewhere

"Inappropriate Behavior Witnessed at a Theater in Yeongdeungpo" Rumors Spread
Indecent Acts in Movie Theaters Can Be Punished as Public Indecency Crimes

A story has emerged about a couple engaging in inappropriate behavior in a private seat at a movie theater in Seoul screening the film 'Pamyo'.

Exterior view of CGV Yeongdeungpo ScreenX theater.
Photo by CJ newsroom

On the 11th, a post was uploaded on an online community claiming that a couple was suspected of engaging in inappropriate behavior in a private seat at a movie theater in Seoul screening the film 'Pamyo', sparking controversy. The author, Mr. A, who claimed to have witnessed the scene, began by saying that he watched 'Pamyo' at a movie theater in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul, at 1 p.m. that day. This theater is a fusion screening venue with seats divided into upper and lower sections. The upper seats are private seats with a dedicated entrance through a concierge, while the lower section has general seats. The private seats are priced at 100,000 won for two people.

Mr. A explained the situation at the time, saying, "I always book the very last seat in the general theater because it's perfect for watching the movie." He added, "While watching the movie, I kept hearing some kind of moaning. At first, I thought it was part of the movie sound, but after listening for a while, it was not a sound that would come from a horror movie." He continued, "I looked around to see what it was, and when a bright scene came on, I realized that a woman's leg was resting on the sofa in the private box."

A's movie theater reservation confirmation photo.
[Photo by Online Community]

Mr. A also added, "The woman's sounds grew louder, and others noticed as well. It would have been embarrassing if I had been watching with my family."

Netizens who read the story responded with comments such as, "How can they do that in a public place?", "There are people who deliberately enjoy such things," "It must be unhygienic, but they still do it," and "If you come to a movie theater, you should focus on the movie."

Previously, in 2018, a story about witnessing a couple engaging in obscene acts in a movie theater also sparked public outrage. The author, Mr. B, criticized, "As the theater darkened for the movie screening, the woman immediately placed her bare feet, without socks, on the man's thigh," and "The man moaned throughout the movie. They kept doing that until the movie ended. It seemed like they enjoyed the attention."

Meanwhile, if the act is proven true, it could be punishable under Article 245 of the Criminal Act for public obscenity. In the crime of public obscenity, 'publicly' refers to a state where an unspecified or multiple people can perceive the act, and actual perception is not required. Those who commit this crime may face imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to 5 million won, detention, or a minor fine.