Authorities have revoked permission to stage the 15th Korea Queer Culture Festival, otherwise known as Seoul Pride, but organizers say that they plan to go ahead with the June 7 event and that they have the support of the local business association, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports.
A Seoul district office spokesperson says permission was withdrawn because of the April sinking of the MV Sewol ferry that claimed close to 300 lives. Festival organizers say the cancellation was sparked by complaints lodged by Christian groups who oppose the event and civil rights for LGBT people. WSJ says the district office denies that protests against the festival influenced the decision to call it off.