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N. Korea-themed Bar Stretches Limits of S. Korea's National Security Act

Lee Juhyun

   VOA's William Gallo contributed to this report.

   SEOUL -- A plan to open a controversial, North Korea-themed bar in
   Seoul is highlighting the gray area surrounding South Korea's National
   Security Act, which bans glorifying North Korea.

   The bar, located in the hip Hongdae neighborhood of South Korea's
   capital, aims to be an authentic, North Korean-style pub, complete with
   "socialist realist" style decorations, including posters that read
   "More Drinks for Comrades" and "Start a Food Revolution."

   It wouldn't be the first Seoul restaurant to specialize in North Korean
   cuisine. But what got this bar in trouble was its attempt to display
   North Korean flags and portraits of Kim Il Sung, the founding leader of
   North Korea, and his son, Kim Jong Il.

   That may have run afoul of South Korea's vaguely worded National
   Security Act, which punishes any actions that incite anti-government
   activity or praise North Korea, directly or indirectly, with up to
   seven years in prison.

   The controversy underscores the uncertainty surrounding the law, which
   has been inconsistently applied since its Cold War-era inception and is
   routinely criticized by rights groups.

   Flag, portraits come down

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