When Will Halloween Return to Normal in Itaewon?
That is a question the Korea Times was asking people recently in Itaewon:
Nearly two years have passed since a deadly crowd disaster during Halloween weekend shocked the world on Oct. 29, 2022. That traumatic event led to 159 deaths and left permanent scars in central Seoul’s multicultural Itaewon area. As Halloween 2024 approaches, many are questioning whether the neighborhood will see a return to what was once one of the most vibrant and profitable weekends for local businesses.
Yet business owners and event organizers in the area said they are not yet prepared to resume Halloween celebrations as they did in the past.
“I think Halloween is naturally going to be slightly toned down for a while, particularly in Itaewon,” Ali Zahoor, co-organizer of Seoul Drag Parade, said.
“Seoul Drag Parade has a couple of Halloween-themed shows planned,” Heezy Yang, another co-organizer, added. “But we tried to choose dates and locations for them cautiously and respectfully, considering what happened in Itaewon.” (…………..)
“It hasn’t been discussed yet because we’re still a while away,” he added, “but I imagine everybody is sort of waiting to see what everyone else does, and talk to the other bar owners — ‘What are you planning on doing?'”
Last year, there was a widespread fear among foreign residents of Korea, as well as Itaewon business owners and anyone else who enjoys Halloween, about being singled out and made out to seem insensitive over Halloween.
Once again, Walsh acknowledged this fear is still a concern this year.
“Nobody wants to be in the media at the club,” he said. “We know that the wounds are still sore with the families, and I’m sure the media are gonna be looking for somebody that’s sticking out. And as a foreigner, I don’t want to be sticking out. Even the Koreans don’t want to stick out either.”
You can read more at the link.
Well, if it’s gonna be gay, a lot of folks will stay away…
If it’s gonna be queer, run with your beer.
If it’s gonna be bi, you get a girl or a guy.
If it’s gonna be LGBTQ, plenty to do and choices for you.
If it’s gonna be trans, first check with your hands.
If it’s gonna be rainbow, you can eat and then blow.
If it’s gonna be bear, hope you like hair.
If it’s gonna be drag, go down and you’ll gag.
If it’s gonna be gender reassignment, make sure your scope’s in alignment.
If it’s gonna be femme, who cares if it’s him.
If it’s gonna be fruit, let their ass meet your boot.
If it’s gonna be homo, hand out beatings pro bono.
If it’s gonna be twink, put it deep in the stink.
If it’s gonna be pan, have a good exit plan.
If it’s gonna be lez, watch and say yezzzzz!
If it’s gonna be gay style, get Muslims on speed dial
If it’s gonna be cis, you found bliss with a miss you can kiss
True poetry….Keats would be jealous of the talent.
Bright Pride, thou art a rainbow hung on high,
A gleaming arc of love through storm-tossed skies,
Thou bend’st o’er all, a truth that will not die,
Where colors blend, and none their beauty denies.
O Love, thou hast no chains to bind thee fast,
No narrow lane where only some may tread,
For in thy grasp, all fear is surely cast
And hearts that hid, now shine with joy instead.
Pride is the song of souls that dare to speak,
To lift their voice and show their truest hue,
To stand with courage, bold in all they seek,
And walk a path where love is pure and true.
O let the world behold this radiant flame,
Which burns as brightly as the noonday sun,
And know that love, by any tender name,
Is ever sacred, ever free and won.
So sing, dear Pride, let not thy voice be still,
For every heart that dares to love and live,
Thou art the proof that love shall have its will,
And in thy grace, we all shall learn to give.
KeatenHead
2024