South Korea’s first openly gay legislator, Cha Hae-young, broke the ruling party’s rainbow ceiling by being elected to the Mapo district council on June 1, 2022. This milestone achievement was celebrated by the LGBTQ community, coinciding with Seoul’s annual LGBTQ Pride march.
However, despite this progress, Cha Hae-young acknowledges that there is still a long way to go in making the country’s politics more inclusive. Two years later, Asia’s largest queer festival is facing challenges as it is being relocated from the central plaza in Seoul. City officials have expressed concerns that the planned celebrations could potentially lead to social conflicts.
These recent developments highlight the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights and representation in South Korea. While Cha Hae-young’s election represents a significant step forward, there is a need for continued advocacy and support to create a more accepting and equitable political landscape for all individuals.