Gov't vows to end outdated dance ban at live music venues

The government has committed to reforming outdated rules that ban dancing at live music venues classified as general restaurants, a long-standing issue that has recently caused controversy within the independent music community, announced Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Chae Hwi-young on Wednesday. Addressing the fourth advisory committee meeting for popular music policy in Seoul, the minister stressed the critical need to amend the Enforcement Decree of the Food Sanitation Act.

The minister stressed the importance of bringing this issue to the forefront of public debate and resolving it definitively. Rather than sidestepping the conversation as in the past, it is essential not to overlook this opportunity to update regulations that no longer reflect current reality. The policy debate emerged after Ovantgarde, a live music venue in Busan, faced a two-month temporary closure due to accusations that they permitted patrons to dance during a band's performance.

Under current food sanitation guidelines, establishments registered as general restaurants are strictly prohibited from permitting customers to dance while live music is being performed.