Record Attendance at Seoul Pride March

A demonstration marked by massive mobilization and unprecedented institutional support

Tens of thousands of people took part in the 26th edition of the LGBT+ Pride March in Seoul, South Korea, on Saturday, June 14. For the first time, a government agency — the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency — participated in the event, which is considered one of the most significant in Asia for LGBT+ visibility.

A festive atmosphere with underlying societal concerns

Amid a shower of bubbles and surrounded by multicolored flags, participants marched in a joyful atmosphere, carrying bright flowers. However, organizers voiced concerns about what they called “regressions in many respects,” despite what they described as “apparent progress.” At the same time, evangelical Christian groups opposed the event, chanting anti-LGBTQ+ slogans and performing traditional Korean dances.

Read also: UK Pride Marches Ban Political Parties

Legal equality still out of reach

While same-sex marriage remains unrecognized in the country — ranked as Asia’s fourth-largest economy — the LGBT+ community continues to fight for anti-discrimination legislation based on sexual orientation. In recent months, many activists have also joined protests against the attempted imposition of martial law by ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol, who is backed by conservative evangelical factions opposed to sexual minority rights.