This graph shows tolerance of homosexuality by age (Asan Institute for Policy Studies).
Homosexuality in South Korea is stigmatized not only by the society, but is also condemned by the military and government. In April 2017, the South Korean military came under fire after it was accused of persecuting gay male service members. The military crackdown, which has been described as a “witch hunt” by some, was started by the chief of staff, General Jang Jun-Kyu.
As the world continues to become more progressive in its support of the LGBT community, as seen in the recent legalization of gay marriage in Taiwan and Germany, one nation has retained its societal stigma against homosexuality: South Korea. The citizens of the deeply conservative nation have failed to see great progress for LGBT rights in the country’s history.
While homosexuality is not illegal, South Korean society generally considers it to be taboo. A 2014 survey conducted by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies showed that while South Koreans were becoming more accepting of homosexuality, the number of people who openly supported the LGBT community was still low: only 23.7% said that they held no reservations about homosexuality, while only 28.5% supported same-sex marriage. This widespread disapproval of homosexuality has forced most LGBT Koreans to remain in the closet, with very few mainstream celebrities being open about their sexuality.
Homosexuality's Persistent Stigma
by Jiyu Shin