The Seoul city government has denied a request by organizers of an annual queer culture festival to set up a nonprofit corporation, citing concerns that social conflict arising from its establishment could hinder public interest.

The organizing committee of the Seoul Queer Culture Festival(SQCF) said on Thursday that the response came nearly two years after it filed the request in October 2019.

The city government cited the prosecution's past stay of indictment regarding excessive exposure at events hosted by the committee, and sales of items depicting genitals during parades.

Seoul City also mentioned the mass mobilization of administrative forces to prevent clashes due to rallies staged by those who oppose the committee's events.

The committee said that the cited reasons have not been confirmed and are only arguments made by those who express hatred toward sexual minorities. 

It also announced plans to take every legal action available, such as filing an appeal and taking the case to an administrative court.