The Seoul Metro is known for its display of copious plastic surgery ads that literally line the walls of the subways. In fact, last year alone the ads prompted more than 1,000 complaints filed against the advertisements themselves. And because the people have spoken they will now get what they want: a ban on plastic surgery ads in the subways.
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Known for their love for cosmetic surgery and beauty, the bountiful display of aesthetic enhancement advertising in Seoul, Korea will soon be replaced with more culture, art and public service ads. Many subway goers complain of the current plastic surgery ads and call them “advertisement pollution” and casting a negative and discriminatory light on female bodies. According to the Korea Times, complaints have been steadily rising since 2015, as a reflection of Korean’s growing concern with gender issues.
To cut down on the advertisements currently in Seoul subways, the first step in the initiative is to reduce the amount of ads exhibited by 15 percent. Ads that are removed are said to be replaced with those that have more of an art and/or culture focus. Also, 10 new ad-free stations will be created with that number growing to an anticipated 40 by the year 2022.