April 28, 2012 12:24

Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way Ball' kicks off with controversial Seoul gig

South Korean show changed to strictly over-18's only

Photo Gallery: Lady Gaga
Photo: PA

Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way Ball' world tour kicked off in Seoul last night (April 27) amid controversy.

Authorities in the South Korean city had implemented a strict adults only policy, banning anyone under the age of 18 from attending the first night of the mammoth 110-date tour. The age restriction was imposed after a ratings board deemed the performance un-suitable for children, and ticket-holders had to present identification on arrival at the Olympic Stadium.

Earlier protests from Christian groups claiming the singer was "obscene" and could "taint" young people prompted the local government to make the gig an over-18's gig, reports BBC News.

A group calling themselves the Civilian Network against the Lady Gaga Concert said her performance was "too homosexual and too pornographic".

Responding to her critics on-stage, Lady Gaga reportedly said: "I was told that your government decided that my shows should be 18 or over… so, I’ll make sure it will be."

The Inquirer reports that the gig was predictably flamboyant, with Lady Gaga arriving onstage on horseback wearing a glittering black bodysuit. You can watch fan-shot footage of the gig by scrolling down the page and clicking.

The 'Born This Way Ball' world tour comes to the UK later this year, beginning with two dates at London's Twickenham Stadium (September 8-9).

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