The organizers of Seoul's annual gay-pride parade said they will defy official disapproval and host the event as planned, in one of the first moves away from the national somber mood in the wake of the recent ferry sinking.

The June 7 parade, in its 15 year, had been approved earlier this month by a Seoul district office responsible for the streets the event is to take place. A district-office spokesman said Thursday it has since revoked the permission after judging it inappropriate in the aftermath of last month's ferry tragedy.

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