South Korea quietly made a big change to how it will count its population.
In what LGBT advocates describe as a “historic decision,” the country’s Ministry of Data and Statistics updated on Wednesday its digital registration system for the 2025 Population and Housing Census to accept “spouse” or “cohabiting partner” as valid responses between same-sex household members.
The seemingly small update resolves an issue from previous censuses: when same-sex household members attempted to select “spouse” on prior counts, the data collection system flagged those registrations as errors—forcing them to categorize themselves as “other cohabitants.” This rendered same-sex couples the same as any other flatmates, their relationship invisible to government statistics and civil society organizations or researchers who rely on that data.
South Korea does not legally allow same-sex marriages or civil partnerships, but the census, which takes place every five years, offers an opportunity for greater recognition and visibility of the LGBT community in data, which is used to influence domestic policy.
A Ministry of Data and Statistics official told local outlet OhmyNews earlier this week that allowing the more accurate data entry is just the beginning. “After hearing from experts, we understand that the data is necessary, but inaccurate responses may come out during the collection stage, so we’re looking into ways to process the data after collection,” the unnamed official says. “I hope you’ll see this as the beginning of our efforts.”
The left-wing Justice Party welcomed the ministry’s decision and said that it hopes the change will move beyond visibility in statistics and materialize into inclusive policy, like legalizing same-sex marriage. “The path has finally opened for same-sex couples to be reflected in policy,” the party said in a statement, adding that it advocates against discrimination against all minorities. “We believe the day will soon come when transgender individuals will be included in population statistics.”
Rights groups have welcomed the change. Rainbow Action Korea, a coalition of 49 LGBT organizations, said in a statement Wednesday that “it marks the first time that the presence of LGBTQ+ citizens has been properly recorded in national statistics.”
But the group also criticized how South Korea’s national and local governments did not “adequately publicize” these changes, which could impact the responses. It also urged the ministry to include questions identifying respondents’ sexual orientation and gender identity in the census and other national surveys, to better count single LGBT citizens too.
“The fact that this census, which has only recently begun to encompass the lives of LGBTQ+ citizens, includes new questions about unmarried cohabitation, intentions to marry, and time spent on family care,” the coalition added, “demonstrates that the nature and meaning of family in Korean society has already changed significantly and is still rapidly evolving.”
A complex national landscape for LGBT persons
South Korea’s new census registration provisions enter a complicated landscape for LGBT individuals in the country.
A 2025 Ipsos poll found that 51% of South Korean respondents were not in favor of public displays of affection between LGBT individuals—such as kissing or holding hands. The poll also found that 31% are against LGBT people being publicly open about their sexual orientation or gender identity.
A 2025 national survey by Korea Research found that opposition to same-sex marriage in Korea remains strong, with 50% or more of respondents against it since 2021, while just over 30% are in support.
South Korea’s LGBT students face discrimination, according to Human Rights Watch, and homosexuality reportedly remains a taboo in many workplaces. A law prohibiting same-sex activity in the military was upheld in 2023.
But there have been silver linings for this marginalized community. Pride parades have grown in visibility, and prominent celebrities—including K-pop idols—have come out and boosted LGBT representation. LGBT individuals have also been portrayed in local media.
Policy-wise, in 2024, courts ruled that LGBT spouses were eligible for benefits from state health insurance. And there is possibility of a national and comprehensive anti-discrimination law being passed under new President Lee Jae-myung; however, Lee previously said that issues like the economy were a higher priority.
