Lady Gaga ready for Seoul concert amid protests, 18+ rating

By JONATHAN HICAP, Manila Bulletin

MANILA, Philippines – Lady Gaga is getting ready to kick off her “The Born This Way Ball” world tour in Seoul on April 27 amid protests by local conservative Christian groups that the singer promotes homosexuality and pornography.

The flamboyant singer arrived in Seoul on April 20 wearing a mask and a gown, a week before her concert to do rehearsals.

Lady Gaga upon her arrival in Seoul and at the rehearsals.
(Photos by www.newsen.com)

“What a warm and exciting welcome to Korea. I missed this country so much. Will be asleep in my castle until rehearsal. I love u!” the singer posted on Twitter upon her arrival at Guimpo International Airport.

No teens will be able to watch her concert as the Korea Media Rating Board banned those below 18 years old from attending the event, which will be held at the Jamsil Olympic Stadium.

Last month, the concert promoter submitted a recommendation to the board that Lady Gaga’s concert was appropriate for those over 12 years old but the board decided otherwise.

“For ‘The Born This Way Ball,’ Live Nation Korea submitted their recommendation report on March 16 saying the show was appropriate for people over the age of 12, according to the rating board. The board said it notified the company of the change of the age limit to 18 on March 22,” according to a report by Korea JoongAng Daily, adding that the ban on minors was mainly due to Lady Gaga’s song “Just Dance.”

On Twitter, Lady Gaga said parents should determine what’s right for their children.

“Although not affecting ticket sales in Seoul, parents should be given more credit to determine what’s good for their children. I love my fans. Thank u to all the adults in Korea who are speaking out for underaged who want to come to the BTW Ball. Maybe the gov. will change their mind,” she tweeted.

Korea’s Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has banned about 4,200 songs including 35 Lady Gaga songs from being sold to children under 18, the Korea JoongAng Daily added.

Lady Gaga seems unperturbed by the rating and protests.

She tweeted, "I will perform the tour of your life if it...kills me.”

She also posted photos of her at the concert stadium.

“Imagine when it's full. I love that it's raining, so NEW YORK of you Korea! So happy! The Stage is more than I could dream for, time to kill the dance floor. Off to rehearsal,” she said.

After Seoul, Lady Gaga will hold concerts in different parts of the world including Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and the Philippines.

Link to my original article: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/357879/lady-gaga-ready-seoul-concert-amid-protests-18-rating