Thousands of anime and cosplay fans flocked to Suwon Messe on October 25 and 26 for Comic World 325, one of Korea’s largest fan conventions, organized by Comic World Inc.
The event ran from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with advance tickets priced at 7,000 KRW (approximately 4.89 USD) and on-site registration at 10,000 KRW (approximately 6.98 USD).
While the event featured diverse cosplay performances and fan art booths, it also drew criticism for poor crowd management and disorderly behavior both inside and outside the venue.
Attendees and nearby merchants reported issues including blocked pathways, picnic mats laid across walking areas, unattended bags, unauthorized lighting setups for photo shoots, and littering.
Concerns over overly revealing costumes also surfaced. Several outfits reportedly exposed the groin area, sparking debate among attendees over the need for “self-regulation” and clearer dress codes.
In response, organizers strengthened on-site control measures starting Sunday, urging non-ticket holders to refrain from visiting the venue.
They warned that the area surrounding Suwon Messe was heavily congested with long queues and strict access management, asking casual visitors to avoid attending without a valid ticket.
Additional staff and security personnel were deployed across the plaza, parking areas, and walkways to reduce inconvenience for paying attendees and to minimize complaints from local residents.
Comic World Inc. later released an official statement:
“Continuous complaints about disorder could directly affect whether future Comic World events are held in Suwon. We ask for everyone’s cooperation so this won’t be our last event here.”
