Denial of Marriage Registration for Same-Sex Couple in North Jeolla
Same-sex Couple Denied Marriage Registration in Jeonbuk, South Korea
A same-sex couple in their 30s, residing in Jeonju, the capital of North Jeolla Province, has been denied the right to register their marriage, reflecting ongoing legal barriers to marriage equality in the region.
The couple received a certificate of non-acceptance for their marriage registration, highlighting the restrictive legal landscape for same-sex couples in Jeonbuk, and indeed, across South Korea.
As of August 2025, same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in Jeonbuk, or at the national level in South Korea. While homosexual activities are legal, there is no legislation allowing same-sex marriage or formal registered partnerships in the country. Efforts to introduce alternative forms of legal recognition remain pending.
The court's decisions suggest a complex and evolving approach to same-sex rights in this jurisdiction. Previously, the court has recognised same-sex partners as legal dependents, but has stopped short of legalising same-sex marriages. The court has also ruled that sexual acts between same-sex soldiers are acceptable, but sex on base remains forbidden.
The couple's case has been taken up by the JEONBUK PEACE AND HUMAN RIGHTS COALITION, and they are considering seeking a legal remedy for the non-acceptance certificate. In a significant development, the couple is planning to file for a constitutional review of the same-sex marriage ban.
The outcome of this constitutional review could have significant implications for same-sex couples' rights in this jurisdiction. However, the modal window issued by the court does not provide any updates on the planned constitutional review, nor does it offer any insights into the broader movement seeking equal rights for same-sex couples.
The modal window does not clarify the legal status of the couple, nor does it contain any information about the status of their marriage registration. It also does not mention any restrictions on same-sex soldiers' sexual acts on base.
This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for marriage equality in South Korea, and the importance of continued advocacy and legal action to secure the rights of same-sex couples.
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- The JEONBUK PEACE AND HUMAN RIGHTS COALITION is advocating for the couple, and they are planning to file for a constitutional review of the same-sex marriage ban, which could influence the health-and-wellness of same-sex couples in Jeonbuk and across South Korea if successful.
- In the attempt to secure equal rights for same-sex couples, the ongoing struggle for marriage equality in South Korea emphasizes the need for science and evidence-based arguments in advancing health-and-wellness outcomes for these individuals, particularly in regards to mental health and emotional well-being.
