"The South Korean census will allow same-sex couples to identify themselves as spouses for the first time in a move LGBTQ+ activists have praised as a significant step toward equality. The census is conducted every five years in the country and kicked off this week, with the Ministry of Data and Statistics reportedly confirming that committed same-sex couples can now check "spouse" or "cohabiting partner." In the past, doing so would cause a form to be rejected or marked with an error,"
"While homosexuality is not criminalized in the country, same-sex marriage remains illegal. There are also no anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination protections, and according to Equaldex, only 23% of the public fully supports LGBTQ+ people being open about who they are. Despite South Korea's portrayal in its global entertainment industry as modern and gay-friendly, the country has long tolerated LGBTQ+ discrimination and, in a 2020 report, was ranked among the least gay-inclusive countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development."
The national census now permits committed same-sex couples to mark themselves as "spouse" or "cohabiting partner," removing prior form rejections or errors. Homosexuality is not criminalized, but same-sex marriage remains illegal and no national anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination protections exist. Public support is limited, with only 23% reportedly fully supporting LGBTQ+ people being open about their identities. South Korea projects a modern image through its entertainment industry, yet the country has long tolerated discrimination and was ranked among the least gay-inclusive OECD members in a 2020 report. Religious lobbying and repeated legislative failures have hindered broader legal protections, though a new legislative majority renewed some hope.
Read at LGBTQ Nation
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