PARIS (AP) — South Korea has lifted its monthlong ban of a French erotic novel written by 18th century nobleman the Marquis de Sade.
The graphic "120 Days of Sodom" — which follows four French libertines through orgies, pedophilia and rape — was written in 1785 but not published until the early 1900s.
It hit South Korean bookshelves in August after a Korean translation was made. The novel, accused by authorities of "triggering ... violent excitement," was banned Sept. 6 by the country's Publication Ethics Commission and was recalled from stores nationwide.
But following a protest from the publisher, the commission reread the book and recognized its literary value. Commission official Jang Tag-Hwan said the book also "attempted to delve into the inner side of human greed."
