Census Bombshell: South Korea Finally Counts LGBTQ Couples!

Census Shake-Up: South Korea to Count Same-Sex Couples for First Time!

In a landmark move hailed as a victory for human rights, South Korea has announced that its 2025 Population and Housing Census will, for the first time ever, count same-sex couples. The Ministry of Data and Statistics confirmed the update to its digital system on 22 October, allowing LGBTQ couples to be officially recognised as «spouses» or «cohabiting partners» in national records.

From Error Messages to Equality

Previously, same-sex couples attempting to register their relationship in the census were met with error messages, forced to tick «unspecified cohabitants» — a cold and clinical label that erased their reality. But this year’s census, running until 18 November 2025, marks a dramatic shift in visibility for South Korea’s LGBTQ community.

«This is a major step forward», said Lina Yoon, senior Korea researcher at Human Rights Watch. «It’s time the government followed through with anti-discrimination laws and legalised same-sex marriage».

Legal Limbo Lingers

Despite this progress, South Korea still does not legally recognise same-sex marriages or partnerships. That means LGBTQ couples remain vulnerable — denied rights in areas like inheritance, housing, and taxation. A glimmer of hope came in July 2024, when the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex partners could claim spousal benefits under the national health insurance system. But activists say it’s not enough.

Activists Step In Amid Government Silence

The Ministry insists it’s not collecting LGBTQ data, merely removing technical barriers. But critics argue the lack of public outreach risks underreporting. In response, LGBTQ groups have launched their own campaign to spread the word and encourage couples to register their relationships.

«This isn’t just about numbers», said one activist. «It’s about being seen, being counted, and being respected».

Global Standards, Local Struggles

The United Nations Statistics Division has long championed inclusive censuses as tools to fight inequality and promote social inclusion. Human Rights Watch echoed that sentiment, urging South Korea to go further — by adding questions on sexual orientation and gender identity in future surveys.

What’s Next?

The 2025 census may be a turning point, but campaigners say the real battle is far from over. «This is a win», Yoon said, «but South Korea must seize the moment to ensure LGBTQ people are protected from discrimination — not just in statistics, but in everyday life».

Bottom Line

South Korea’s census update is a bold stride towards equality — but the road ahead demands louder voices, stronger laws, and unwavering visibility.