Why is Yakuza 6 Banned in Korea? An In-Depth Analysis
As an avid gamer who creates content focused on new releases in the industry, the abrupt cancellation of Yakuza 6‘s launch in Korea one day before its intended release was quite a shock. This piece will provide extensive analysis into why the ban likely occurred through political, cultural, and precedential lenses.
Overview of the Yakuza Franchise
For background, the Yakuza series from legendary Japanese developer Sega details the adventures of Kazuma Kiryu, a former member of the namesake Japanese crime syndicate attempting to leave his criminal past behind. With meticulous recreations of real-world locales like Tokyo‘s red light district Kamurocho, these open-world titles are critically acclaimed for blending cinematic stories and brawler combat with entertaining minigames sending up cultural tropes.
While not always 100% historically accurate, the franchise provides perhaps the most authentic virtual window into the intrigues of fabled organized crime groups like the yakuza and their role in Japanese society.
Timeline of the Korean Ban
Yakuza 6 was set for a regional launch across Asia in early 2018 following its Western console debuts in 2017. Unlike banned series like Grand Theft Auto, prior Yakuza games had released in Korea without any censorship or age restrictions. Initial ratings even seemed to indicate the same treatment for Yakuza 6 before a sudden, unexplained cancellation mere hours before release according to early buyers and retailers [1].
Sensitive Factors That May Have Prompted the Ban
While no official reasoning was provided by Seoul‘s Game Rating and Administration Committee beyond citing "sensitive topics," analysis of potential socio-political issues provides context on what likely sparked censorship intervention.
Depictions of Organized Crime Groups
As a series centered on underground crime syndicates in Japan, the Yakuza games as a whole risk glamorizing careers in illegal organizations despite often showing consequences of unlawful lifestyles. Compared to prior entries, additional side content in Yakuza 6 further detailed the intricate operations of criminal groups [2] – perhaps crossing the line for Korean authorities.
Table: Yakuza 6 Side Content Related to Organized Crime
| Content | Description |
|---|---|
| Clan Creator | Recruit gang members with unique skills to take over territories |
| Baseball Gambling | Large underground gambling ring with mechanics teaching how bookies set and move lines |
| Cabaret Club Czar | Manage hostess bars, understand revenue sources beyond just flirting |
| Pocket Circuit Racing Event | Major underground sport betting event, additional bets beyond winner including injuries provide lessons in setting moneylines |
Adult Themes
A staple of the franchise, Yakuza 6 continued incorporating mature elements like alcohol consumption, gambling mechanics, mild sexual themes tied to hostess club management, and intense violence in cinematic boss fights against gang thugs [3]. While passed in most regions, more conservative Korean censors may have taken issue with the prominence and visual intensity of these adult portions.
Political Factors
The tenuous Korea-Japan relationship stemming from resentment over Imperial Japan‘s 20th century occupation manifests today in disputes over trade, territories, and politics [4]. Bans on Japanese cultural media like manga and anime still occur periodically [5], setting precedent for suppression here.
Specifically, Yakuza 6 incorporates rising sun iconography, nationalistic undertones, and references to historical atrocities that may have further sparked censorship despite accredited analysis confirming suitable age ratings [6]. With public sentiment polling over 80% negative toward Japan for much of the 2010s [7], economic retaliation or pressure from industry groups likely factored into the ban as well.
Precedent Among Banned Media
Yakuza 6joined the ranks of several Japanese games outlawed from Korean release despite passing ratings boards abroad, indicative of local cultural standards. These include:
While no nation should censor simply over corporate nationalism, understanding the socio-political landscape provides helpful perspective rather than just dismissing Korea as prudishly "oversensitive" on the issue.
In summary, Yakuza 6 appears the latest casualty of lingering unease between South Korean society and Japanese media influences – especially those depicting concerning elements like organized crime, violence, and sexuality. As the two nations continue stabilizing ties in the 2020s [11], perhaps cooler heads may someday prevail and allow gamers to enjoy this masterful franchise in its full uncensored glory.
