While this year's pride march is scheduled for the 28th (just a few days!), it almost didn't happen. Conservative Christian groups and the police worked together to ban the parade. However, Seoul overturned the ban, effectively allowing the pride march to go on as planned!
Read more about it here.
LGBTQ themes were explored in dramas such as 'Reply 1997' and 'Coffee Prince,' as well as movies like 'The King and the Clown.' However, 'Life is Beautiful' is groundbreaking because of its sensitive and sympathetic portrayal of a gay couple who are absolutely in love. It also explores the societal pressures that LGBTQ folks face in Korea and the measures they must take to stay safe and secure.
(Look, it's your new favorite drama couple.)
While they are few and far in between, some celebrities have come out proudly with their identities!
Assigned male at birth, singer, model, and actress Harisu has always identified as a woman. She is also just one of two people in Korea who legally changed their gender, also making her Korea's first openly transgender entertainer in pop culture.
(She's also happily married to her husband Micky Jung!)
This talented actor and restauranteur is also notable for bravely openly identifying as gay. Despite immense controversy when he came out, resulting in his getting fired from a variety show, he has established himself today as a top-notch celebrity in the K-pop world.
He's also good friends with some of your favorite idols!
(From top to bottom: Hong Suk Chun poses with Seungri, IU, and members of JYJ!)
The South Korean U.N Secretary of General Ban Ki Moon is renowned for his firm stance against homophobia. From giving speeches urging for the global promotion of LGBTQ rights to reaching out directly to those who feel confused and even threatened by their identity, Ban is at the forefront of making the world a safer and more accepting place for everyone.
(You tell them Mr. Ban!)
On September 7, 2013, director Kim Jho Kwang Soo and his significant other David Kim Seunghwan held a wedding ceremony in Seoul. While the ceremony is not legally binding as South Korea does not recognize same-sex marriages, it was a beautiful expression of the couple's love for each other and definitely the first of its kind for South Korea.
(The happy couple at their wedding!)
Established in 2000, the Korean Queer Festival is a perfect way for those who identify as LGBTQ to celebrate together. Not only does it hold the pride parade but it also hosts a film festival as well. To protect participants, the festival ask all photographers to blur faces and allows them to wear sunglasses and face masks to prevent accidental outings.
(The huge turnout makes this festival Asia's largest LGBTQ event!)
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