101 Lesbian Couples Beats the Odds in South Korea to Get Marriage Certificates

In the quiet town of Haju, South Korea, ‘Do Seon-mi,’ a lesbian civil servant who has kept her sexual orientation secret, and ‘Lee Ga-kyung,’ a newly appointed lesbian civil servant, discover a loophole in the government system and grant a marriage certificate to a lesbian couple. Before long, the number of officially registered lesbian couples reaches 101. Unexpectedly, Haju City, despite its lack of renowned tourist attractions or distinctive local specialties, emerges as a thriving hub for lesbians.

In the 21st century, South Korea still does not legally acknowledge same-sex marriages. According to current law, marriage is defined strictly as a union between a man and a woman, and same-sex marriages are not recognized, even if both parties share the same intentions, are of the legal marriage age, and do not engage in incest or bigamy. However, the world is gradually evolving. In February 2023, a significant milestone occurred when the Seoul High Court issued a groundbreaking ruling that officially recognized same-sex couples as dependents under the National Health Insurance Act. This marked a historic moment as the court acknowledged the rights of same-sex spouses, overturning an earlier error stated in TODAY’S CEREMONY, which had previously required both individuals to sign up for health insurance separately.

The celebration of small victories, orchestrated by dedicated public servants who embody the ethos of “changing the world rather than waiting for it to change,” alongside 101 lesbian couples who yearn for a touch more happiness, is poised to reshape Korea in the present moment, not in the future, but right here and right now. This event is poised to set a precedent.