The 26th Seoul Queer Culture Festival unfolded in the South Korean capital on Saturday with vibrant participation, boosted by the recent election of liberal President Lee Jae-myung. However, the event also faced stiff protests from conservative religious groups opposing LGBTQ+ rights.
Festival chief organiser Hwang Chae-yoo said the event’s slogan, “We never stop,” reflects the community’s enduring fight for recognition.
“During the last … administration, hate against homosexuality and LGBTQ+ became very strong, leading to government policies that often ignored LGBTQ+ people,” said Hwang. “That’s why we expressed our will to never give up until the end, and make efforts to improve human rights.”
Last year, city authorities denied multiple venue clearance requests before eventually allowing the event. This year, with a new liberal administration in place following the impeachment of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, organisers faced fewer hurdles.
Although President Lee Jae-myung has not explicitly addressed LGBTQ+ rights in his campaign, members of the community are cautiously optimistic. Many believe his leadership could create a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in South Korea, where legal protections remain limited and same-sex partnerships are still not recognised.
Large Turnout and Peaceful March of LGBTQ+
Under sunny skies and temperatures soaring to 31°C (87.8°F), a large crowd gathered in Seoul. Organisers claimed a turnout of 30,000, while police estimated around 7,000. Attendees, many waving rainbow flags, visited booths hosted by LGBTQ+ groups, foreign embassies, and university clubs.
A peaceful march began at 4:30 p.m. local time, with participants calling for better legal rights, social acceptance, and recognition for LGBTQ+ individuals in South Korea.
Among the crowd was 44-year-old participant Hong Il-pyo, dressed in drag. “It’s changed a lot compared to the old days, but most people are still like, ‘we know you exist, but don’t come out, ’” Hong said. “I hope we can make a little progress and change to ‘you exist, so let’s live well together.’”
Conservative Protest Nearby
Just blocks away, anti-LGBTQ+ demonstrators held their rally. Participants displayed blue and pink placards reading “Homosexuality Stop” and “Destroys Families.” Despite the proximity of the two events, no clashes were reported.
