Reality check: How diverse is Korea really? LGBTQ+ and politics (4)

No openly queer candidates have ever been elected to South Korea's parliament
 

South Korea defaults to heterosexuality as the predominant sexual identity publicly represented by political leaders.

Among national politicians and elected parliamentarians, there have not been any public disclosures of a politician's sexual orientation throughout Korea’s entire legislative history. This lack of openly acknowledged LGBTQ+ representation in the country's top political leadership underscores the degree of exclusion and discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the country and mainstream news media.

However, a notable exception is Cha Hae-young, a 37-year-old municipal councilor who identifies as bisexual and is a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Cha was elected as one of the council members of Seoul's Mapo district in June of last year, becoming South Korea's first openly LGBTQ+ elected official.

Although no lawmakers from major parties openly discuss LGBTQ+ rights, members of the progressive opposition Justice Party have been more vocal on the issue, frequently acting as representative voices for sexual minority groups in Korea.

By Shin Ji-hye(shinjh@heraldcorp.com)