Breaking Barriers: South Korea Counts Same-Sex Couples in National Census
- lewishooper1
- 4m
- 3 min read
The 2025 census could redefine how love, identity, and equality are recorded in Korean society. What may seem like "ordinary news" in the West, we break down why it is groundbreaking in South Korea.
Why is this news groundbreaking?
For the first time in the history of Korea, the government has announced that although same sex couples and marriage are not legally recognized, they are willing to take a progressive step forward by recognizing same sex households and couples in the upcoming national census for the first time!
This change is a victory for LGBTQ+ advocates, as it finally provides official statistical recognition for same-sex relationships.
Visibility in National Data
Previously, the digital census system would automatically flag and reject "spouse" entries for same-gender couples as an error, forcing them to select "other cohabitants". This update removes that discriminatory barrier, allowing for a more accurate reflection of diverse family structures in national data, which in part is thanks to the younger Korean generation.
The government has announced that the collection of this data is crucial, as it can be used by policymakers to better understand and address the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. Activists have hailed this as the first instance where the existence of queer citizens is properly recorded in official statistics in the near future.
A Step Towards Equality
While the census inclusion is a monumental step, it does not grant same-sex couples legal status, as same-sex marriage remains illegal in South Korea. However, this progress builds on recent judicial rulings, such as a 2024 court decision that recognized the right of same-sex partners to receive spousal benefits under the national health insurance.
The LGBTQ+ Community speaks out
The LGBTQ+ Community have spoken out about the governments 'quiet' approach around the new legislation for the upcoming census.
Some members of the LGBTQ+ community have praised the new legislation and view it as a step forward, however a large majority have said that the government are avoiding publicizing the new option too much, and that limited public awareness could lead to lower participation among same sex couples.
Our Thoughts
The Dojeon team believes that this progressive behavior by the younger generation is mainly because they have had the chance to live, work, and travel overseas, unlike their parents or grandparents.
Social media and Boy Love dramas have also played a part in this new legislation, as the younger generation is more exposed to same sex couples in their daily lives. Not only this, but social media has given people a platform to voice their opinions, and this is something which governments often oppose and suppress, though it does sound like the Korean government is willing to listen to what its citizens are voicing online.
We also believe that most LGBTQ+ members will not participate openly in the census as a same sex couple, primarily because of the views that the Korean society holds. Just because the option has been included in the census, it does not automatically give any rights to the LGBTQ+ community, and we believe that many members of the community will worry about the repercussions of stating their sexual preference openly.
Is Korea opening up as a more progressive Asian society? We would love to hear your thoughts on this progressive topic in the comments below!