On March 15, it was inaugurated in Seoul, South Koreaa new “maid-café” of Japanese style that has unleashed controversy, since some fear that the costumes and the theme of the waitresses, dressed as “maids” from anime, might be demeaning and commercialize sex. The place is titled as “Chusite Maid Cafe“
Located in Mapo-gu, the so-called “maid cafe” greets customers with overly accommodating waitresses dressed in ruffled miniskirts and fishnet stockings. A total of 28 workers or “servants” serve food and drinks while calling customers “master”.
The only coffee shop of its kind in South Korea, which only works by reservation, is already completely full for the entire month of March since its first day of opening. Last year, more than 300 people applied for positions in a single day, according to the administration.
Despite its initial popularity, the Japanese-inspired restaurant has also caused a stir on the internet. Some worry that the premise of young women dressing as maids and acting submissive is designed to appease the male gaze, which might send a problematic message of support for misogyny.
In the official Instagram account of the cafeteria you can read messages with details regarding each servant: “Master, I’m here for whatever you need“, “My feelings towards you -my love- will never change” y “I hope that my love and my tenderness make you feel loved and happy.“.
Maid-cafés emerged in Japan in the 1990s, where they are a subcategory of cosplay services. Inspired by dating sim video games, they were designed to cater to people’s lack of intimacy during Japan’s lost decade of slow to negative economic growth. The first maid-café opened in Akihabara, a district of Tokyo famous for its large number of electronics and anime-related stores.
Meanwhile, the establishment that opened in Seoul has a strict “no touching or asking to be touched” policy, like most other maid cafes. On his official Instagram account, a person in charge of the restaurant wrote that his goal is to celebrate the anime industry and create a safe environment for people to enjoy this subculture.
The residents of the neighborhood also have mixed reactions. While some say the cafeteria will boost the local economy, parents worry it might have a negative influence on the many kindergartens and elementary schools in the area.
Fuente: The Korea Herald
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