TL;DR - Homosexuality in Korea

[@uddercado9363]

I clicked your link about Simon's sexuality (not out of some weird accusatory need, but more so curiosity about how you address those comments), and your candor, open-mindedness and rationality were incredibly refreshing. Thanks for your honesty, Simon. :)

[@aristurtle]

I just finished watching Lee Minho's drama Personal Taste, and was also wondering about this question, so thank you for covering it :) What really irked me about the show (and this is not limited to Korean culture, this mindset is prevalent in cultures all over the world, so this is not a jab at Korea) is that although Lee Minho's character was accepted as gay (not not comfortably, but rather reluctantly) by the characters on the show, there is a continual reference to his lack of "manliness" which was really problematic for me. Therefore, I think, in the context of the show, his homosexuality, or pretense thereof, was regarded with acceptance that's heavily laced with mockery. I am from India and the Bollywood film industry does this CONSTANTLY eg. with films like 'Dostana', if anybody has watched it. So even if homosexuality is portrayed under the pretense of acceptance, it comes with these stereotypes like effeminite behaviour, or lack of manliness. Being gay is trivialized and serves as comic relief. This really bothers me.

[@starry0601]

The close-minded individuals aren't just old people; my mom, dad, and entire extended family view homosexuality as non-existent in the homeland and that it is something that foreigners unnecessarily brought from overseas. Quite terrifying actually because I'm gay and probably will never be able to come out to my parents. Bummer.

[@aniluvswesties]

starry0601 starry0601 Probably just your family. My Korean friend doesn't even know any homophobics. I'm American and I know a couple homophobes. I'm very sorry about your situation and I hope you are able to one day be yourself and he accepted by your family ❤❤❤ much luck.

[@starry0601]

Vegan Westie Lover That's awesome! But I am referring to Koreans in Korea, do you mean Koreans in America?

[@aniluvswesties]

starry0601 My Korean friend lives in Korea 😊

[@starry0601]

That's really cool she's surrounded by people like that, my experience growing up in Korea and the people I interacted with were completely different (in terms of homophobicness haha). Thanks for the insight!

[@charissotireli9248]

watching this video 3 years later, did you ever manage to communicate your feelings to your family? I hope you're doing well :)

[@sepluvr]

It's my dream to move to South Korea, and to live there, and as a gay man, I plan to do what I always do. My philosophy in life is that everyone is entitled to their own opinion (even though it might not be the same as mine) and that even though I may argue with you about your beliefs or thing they are wrong, I won't shove my beliefs down your throat. So what I'm going to do when I move there is what I do here in the States. I'm not going to go screaming the fact that I'm gay up and down the streets (exaggeration ppl), but if someone questions me about it, I will tell them that I'm gay openly an without hesitation. I feel like this is a good way to go about it because if they are against homosexuality (for whatever reason) they can just tell me so and we can never speak of it again. It's called being civil and I really hope more people will do it.

[@arrianejane7488]

***** i got scholarship from one of the universities in Korea, i'm a transgender (M to F), i don't know what to do , i got a long hair do i have to cut it short? :( i'm from the Philippines, I've been living as a woman since my graduation in high school, in my scholarship it includes dormitory stay, where should i be part of ? to male or female?

[@prema3734]

+arriane jane Honestly which ever one you feel more comfortable with but don't let anybody know about it because I remember their was this one transgender kid there who committed suicide because she was bullied and got a lot of hate. Keep it on the low

[@BlakeChilders]

+arriane jane and you look beautiful, Jane :).

[@neojng]

My friend is gay and also a teacher in Korea, he said they are far more accepting at his school witch is nice.

[@puregore6634]

neojng which *

[@Amayaelika]

There's a kdrama called, Daughters of club Bilitis. It's about three lesbian couples (a couple in their teenage yrs, one couple in their 30s and one couple in their 50s). It was banned but I pretty sure KBS defended it.

[@Arthur-ri1ol]

i never skip the ads now so that i can support you guys!

[@canvas_125]

I'm so confused then. If South Korea is not a homosexual friendly country, then why is the whole, pairing group members with each other such a big thing among KPOP idols? I know male friends are not afraid of being touchy-feely, but still - I'm so curious 😊

[@canvas_125]

CeeCee Dragneel *facepalm* Wow...

[@B3Nii76KLove]

It's a society's issue and Korea is a old fashion country were the elders' opinion is very important. K-Pop trend is a small aspect of south korean culture.

[@canvas_125]

Ben A Oh yeah! I completely forgot about that part and how KPOP plays there. Thanks! That makes so much more sense. 🙂

[@grace-lu5tu]

I'm from Busan, and two of my friends are gay and like each other. Because being like really affectionate and stuff with your same sex friends is normal, they just say that their friends. 😂

[@seungseouls]

ikr it's normal for two guys to have physical contact with each other or do skinships so i'm confused??? what is acting gay for them? like why are the kpop idols do fanservice (kiss each other, hold hands, skinships) if they don't accept homosexuality?

[@seungseouls]

my dad's from busan too btw.

[@DamiraLyraJune]

thank God in Germany being homosexuality is totally accepted and tolerated. But we are actually in general very open with sex and sexuality. It's quite a normal conversation if your mom tells you not to forget the condoms or among friends when they ask when you had your first time. I like it because you don't need to hide and just ask if you want to know something. No need to be scared :D of course there are

[@florablume86]

Es ist toll, wie alle die gleichen Rechte haben ^^ Wenn deine lesbische Ehefrau oder dein schwuler Ehemann für Ihr adoptiertes Kind Blut spenden wollen... Aber wenn sich Merkel mit dieser Vorstellung unwohl fühlt, ist das halt Pech für alle andern

[@v1c4r10u5]

In all fairness, a lot of heterosexual Canadian girls will go to gay bars to avoid being hit on by creepy guys, too. I've been to more gay bars than anything else. It's nice (and saddening) to know this is universal.

[@kellanevergreen9036]

This also happens quite a lot in America. Some (more disrespectful) women even have their bachelorette parties at gay bars, but that's a story for another day.

[@aniluvswesties]

Kat Maloney It could just be me being ignorant and feel free to educate me but, what is disrespectful about going to a gay bar as a heterosexual woman? I've gone a couple of times and the guys there were super happy to see me and my friends! And my gay friend actually invited me and some girlfriends to go. I'm sorry if that's wrong and I'm genuinely curious if and why that offends you 😊❤

[@kellanevergreen9036]

Oh no, I understand, and it's not a problem. Simply /going/ is not offensive. Hell, it's perfectly acceptable and often encouraged if a group of heterosexual girls wanna go to a gay bar to hang out, drink, and have fun. What I was talking about was those women having bachelorette parties there (as in bachelorette parties where everything from the ends of their straws to their food is shaped like a penis and everyone gets obnoxiously drunk). It makes many of the bar goers uncomfortable at best, and treats gay people and our spaces like a spectacle at worst. I used to work at one in Colorado, and once some women brought their bachelorette party into the bar. The women brought in a foot long chocolate penis and took turns trying to see who could fit the most in their mouth, and later they started climbing on tables and began stripping (and I found out that the bride-to-be wasn't wearing underwear). Throughout the night they were flirting with the patrons, particularly focusing on one man who told them he was asexual. Eventually, I had to kick them out, and was reprimanded by my boss for doing so. It was only after my coworkers and a couple of our regulars talked to him that he acknowledged that it was a bad thing and I was "probably right" to force them to leave. The incident was never brought up again. TL;DR: Heterosexual women going to gay bars is ok, heterosexual women going to gay bars and acting like fuckwads is not.

[@aniluvswesties]

Kat Maloney Oh ok that makes sense lol. I didn't know women did that at bachelorette parties at gay bars 😅

[@Pawrwar]

What is homosexuality for Korean idols ? I mean they act sometime a bit gay and do skinship and stuff so..??

[@cree_VI]

i think u talking about "fanservis" that kind of show are for girl fans

[@Pawrwar]

I know what you mean but when Kpop Idol are gay. Are they open for that? Can they tell that to their company and their fans? Were there kpop idols who said that they where gay?

[@IndoorAdventurer]

sweetkoolkatje from what I can recall, no any idol came out. Because I think that even if they were, their company wouldn't let them tell it to their fans because it would ruin the fangirlsm, like with Ricky Martin you see?(not so good example I know) Yet some idols are "suspicious" to me like Jo Kwon or Brian Joo are so diva-ish we may wonder if they're gay (even if it's a bit cliché, all gay men are not sassy and diva-ish)...

[@tsinazamora5451]

Actually, I'm not sure but I guess here in the Philippines in Asia it's also not really accepted by some people but we even have a student organisation in my school that is dedicated to creating a group for gay people, boys and girls, and some straight join it because gay people are actually fun to be friends with. I know however of some people who make fun of people for being gay but I constantly remind them that our other friends are not our friends because their straight. I hope that this helps! :)

[@Shadedancer05]

in the usa that's called gsa gay stright don't know how to spell the a one

[@ceceliablack3317]

Kiyavi hatten Alliance

[@seungseouls]

ohh man, if homosexuality is accepted in korea, there might be a chance for our ships to come true lol.

[@octopodiatrist]

Coffee Prince

[@RainaDragonfire]

I know this is off subject but I wanted to say you guys are my favorite couple. Watching you guys is always a blast and the love you have for each other shines through! It's good to see such happy people breaking the stereotypes of marriage and I hope you guys continue you to always be this way. God Bless the both of you :)!

[@maryssahendricks9593]

But what actions do they see as gay, and what actions do they see as normal touchy-feely?

[@olidon96]

That's actually a pretty good question. I've seen lots of Korean guys even in the background of EYK videos that appear to be very close and are often standing closely to each other or even holding hands or portraying some other type of skinship. I wonder how distinguishable that kind of relationship between two guys would be from a romantic one.

[@maryssahendricks9593]

That's what I'm sayin' it appears that skinship isn't frowned apon between two guys, like it is in the US. And I'm very curious on what they consider, "gay actions"

[@winters.1809]

I know in China it's considered perfectly acceptable to have some kind of physical contact with your good friends, although it's usually girls, no one will think it's strange if two guys have their arms around eachother.

[@syoungcyipo2213]

+Verified K-Pop Lover 99 there's no "gay action" in korea. they are invisable, korean know they exist in somewhere(far away from "me") they are never "my" friend, family, neighbor..and also they don't come out, i mean i've never seen gay in my life. i think they'd never flirt a man out of gay bar or any place of their own community..

[@maryssahendricks9593]

Oh okay. Thank you so much!

[@jasminechan561]

Thank you so much for going to such extensive lengths to answer my question ^^ I really appreciate it :)

[@typoded]

your post about simon's sexuality was very amazing and well written gj simon

[@thetalesofadesertrat]

I think them being so happy together plays a major role in why all their videos are so enjoyable to watch!

[@lilmisskawaii230991]

I'm a bisexual girl and I'm worried for my visit to South Korea coming up... any advice?

[@mikeyjaynes92]

You really have nothing to worry about. One of my friends told me that most Koreans don't mind bisexuals because they are "Still half right" and have a chance to be straight. I think they see it as a phase or something.

[@cutieprincess431]

Your blog post was so sincere and amazing Simon! I think it's refreshing that you're so confident about who you are, and that you aren't afraid of what people will say. Thank you for making me smile (both of you!), it wouldn't be possible if the joy wasn't present there also between you too! -xo :)

[@Walking_Spinel]

at 1:24 what's the name of the drama ABOUT a gay couple?

[@anime2328]

It's called 'Life is Beautiful'. You should watch it. It's really good!

[@anime2328]

callum traynor It's "Personal Taste".

[@frajanick2266]

I want to see it too...

[@celo432]

Im glad you guys finally touched the topic. I was really anticipating this video.

[@domganst8654]

Thailand , the Philippines , and other south east asian countries are the most accepting when it comes to homosexuality. In Thailand and Philippines you can see Lesbians , tomboys , Bisexuals , gays, and transgender people almost everywhere. Although sometimes filipinos and thais cant avoid homosexual racism because people think it's inappropriate.

[@Swim4haru]

I totally agree you. I'm from Thailand. If you're homophobic there, everyone will be like "wut?"

[@ayya5107]

+Adela Hong Homophobic's* :)

[@kianpangilinan8840]

thailand is the most open to gays.philippines still oppose same sex marriage but fully supports gay rights.

[@skyhr]

It's kind of different in Korean: When we learn the Chinese letters, we learn them as "meaning - sound" like "love - ae", with a Chinese character associated with it. So we can write the pronounced sound in Korean alphabet as well. What usually happens in newspapers nowadays is write the word in Korean itself, then have the Chinese characters in parenthesis next to it so the reader can know which meanings they represent.

[@hyunnieshinee1415]

Whenever i hear the word "sexual" i just have a thought of Kim Jonghyun...he is so humane...and 1.23 dramas(ALL MY FAV!) Coffee Prince, Sunkyungkwan Scandal, Personal Taste n something...

[@chowder2260]

Didn't see that blog post link about Simon until today. Such a great way to address it, Simon. It is out of ignorance and social prejudice that people assume certain things about others - I am guilty of it sometimes (I didn't with you, Simon) and also have been subject to it. Anyway, TLDR is my favorite "show" out of all your channels. :) xx

[@lionlickers6058]

i love Martina's rainbow earrings!!!

[@korkypari215]

I'm Korean aswell, I grew up in Seoul to where being gay was not only accepted but majorly distributed throughout show business. My school was accepting to where a male gay couple was nominated and chosen as the Prom Kings. Growing up I didn't realize that it was such a big issue until I came to America.

[@tori6678]

Lol people thought Simon was gay? My first video id seen of them, I had thought they were friends, but no thoughts whatsoever that Simon could be gay. Guess my gaydar functions properly ha.

[@caitlinx54]

OMG!!! Thank you!!! I have been waiting forever for a video like this!!

[@whooopdeedo]

i agree with you guys. i (raised in america) was talking to my cousin (raised in korea) about yoo ah in and i said that i liked him (at the time. i have since moved on to kim woo bin ~^^~). my cousin was like, "he's gay!" without malice, just as a statement. so i replied, "oh, really? when did he come out?" because i had falsely assumed that because my cousin had mentioned his orientation so casually, he must have said so himself. my cousin looked SO shocked maybe even disgusted and was like, "uh he didn't say anything. we (koreans) just know. why would he say that he's gay if he is?" i found it interesting that while people seem to be comfortable talking about homosexuality, it's only a distant concept. like the "friend of a friend" or speculation of a public figure but never on a personal level. kinda dont ask dont tell vibes going on

[@Lilithly]

whooopdeedo actually I would find that question a bit strange as well^^;(I'm German). I have heard of American celibrities coming out, but never about one coming out in my country. I don't really get what "coming out" is about, anyway. here nobody really seems to care if people are gay or not. it's just the way it is - why is a coming out needed? (serious question, I really don't get the concept of coming out)

[@whooopdeedo]

Nabiya Ri ooh interesting! (btw i love germany.. gorgeous country!) also, i have no answer to your question haha i myself only asked because my cousin made that statement with such confidence that i believed it was an undeniable fact (aka yoo ah in said so himself). maybe people come out because others keep speculating and debating amongst themselves and it's just easier to dispel of the rumors once and for all. BUT i am no expert nor claim to be one so that's just my thought :]

[@mikeyjaynes92]

Nabiya Ri People normally come out in America mainly because they just want to be known. It's kind of a big deal. They feel like they can't be themselves and seeing that there are so many people who do speculate like whooopdeedo said it's to dose the rumors. I can't exactly put a claim on it myself. But I think it's because gay people want to be accepted as any other normal people and be able to have privilages and be open to be with their partner without people being like "Wtf?" you know? It's really hard to come out, and one reason people do it is because it's awkward when people ask "When are you going to get married?" or "Do you have a gf? No? why not you're so handsome!" like that's so uncomfortable with for them. In my case. I came out to my friends when I was in my second year of University. The first time I visited Korea I told all of my friends, and they all didn't care because they loved me anyway. Not all people here (especially the young ones) hate homosexuals, they just don't understand it. And in Korea there is not tolerance taught.. ever.

[@loleboee1]

I love it!! Seriously, its great to hear about other countries and their aspect of the gay community!! Go S.Korea and thanks Simon and Martina. You guys are the best at you would you seriously!!

[@TreeniaHD]

lol before I knew you two are married I thought you were siblings XDDD

[@Lyonlionify]

Ikmo Monki shame on you

[@bkaddictjk]

You get minus points, if you get too many minus points, you get some kind of special schooling/lessons (I don't know too much about it, I've avoided it so far). If you get that way, it goes into your permanent record, which restricts you a little when it comes to choosing a high school or collage. There are some schools that are really strict, and some schools (like mine) are very lax and gives you a lot of warnings. I do hope that Simon and Martina does a video on this on their take :D

[@emilycaywood770]

What's the gay kdrama?

[@CheersForMusic]

+Emily Caywood Life is Beautiful (2010).

[@emilycaywood770]

thank you!! ;33

[@skyhr]

It's almost required in advanced office settings, reading old newspapers, etc. But the trend nowadays is that people don't like using them. You'll do fine with just the absolute basics. Most people don't really use them.

[@vampireweekend4eva12]

...Simon isn't gay? o.O

[@kuroichan101]

lol I at first thought he was or he was her brother.

[@misterkiller89]

He's married to his woman in the video. You're welcome.

[@cblazemn3837]

It is assumptions by people like you who pressure others to question there sexuality. I don't have experience in this (thank the Lord on high), but I have family who have. One "came out" because he has a "happy/overthetop" personality and people assumed he was gay...you know what he questioned it, but realized it was just those others pushing there idiocy on him. He is now happily married to a gorgeous woman and has 2 kids.

[@andreapiccardo409]

Cblazemn or he's gay and your family's pressure on him forced him to pretend to be straight, how sad.

[@cblazemn3837]

Andrea Piccardo 2 kids later and is very happy? Doubtful mate.

[@mikeyjaynes92]

It's very common to meet up with Korean people or Japanese people and when you ask them "Do you think your country has gay people there?" they say yes, but literally out of 30 of my friends only one of my friends said she knew one. Everyone else says that they haven't known any. Many of the girls want to have a gay friend just because they are curious. My friend who does know of the gay person knows of a lesbian, which completely floored me because I never once thought about Lesbians in Korea seeing that male homosexuality is a bigger deal here than female homosexuality. Also to add there are actually a new rising gay community all over Busan and in Daegu in which my friends have told me about and I hope to go :)

[@LL_-wf1tw]

Martina is so sweet and cute :)

[@LP_commented]

The ones that the characters pretend to be gay are called Personal Taste and Coffee Prince. (I don't know the drama that shows the characters in traditional garb, sorry.) And the one that incorporates a legit gay couple into the plot is called Life is Beautiful. Really wonderfully written drama and a personal favorite. ^^

[@cblazemn3837]

Korea is one of the last societies that doesn't believe in Over teh top political correctness. They are overwhelmingly Christian and Buddist and don't want homosexuality to become like it is in the states. The younger people (my girlfriend being one) most hold that if you are homosexual accept that there laws and society want to promote hetrosexuality as the norm....which to me seems perfectly legitimate stance.

[@cblazemn3837]

I should add that PC and "diversity" is the cause of most of the problems in the USA. When you move to a country you conform to that society that society doesn't conform to you.

[@cblazemn3837]

I also want to clarify no one in Korea whom I've spoken to wants to cast out the gays...they just want people whom are to not force them to accept it as a normal behavior. I've had friends whom are homosexual and they strongly dislike activists who claim that gays don't have equal rights in korea....that is plain false and a lie.

[@mikeyjaynes92]

Cblazemn I'm a bit taken a back by your wording. Mainly because i'm not sure what your are referring to and it doesn't seem to connect with me.

[@cblazemn3837]

I'm referring to the video. It seems to me that they think Koreans who hold to traditional values are somehow wrong....I'm refuting that mentality is all. My wording could have been better. I grant you that :). If I can clarify let me know.

[@mikeyjaynes92]

Cblazemn haha just the last part. I was not sure on what was legitimate or not in your mind. I couldn't understand perfectly well

[@amberweb2]

Simon, I was curious about your reactions to these comments on your sexuality and was thoroughly impressed with your post. You are both evidently open-minded and respectful of others. It's something to be proud of! You are a wickedly cool couple!!

[@mirroredhour]

(PART 2) There is also another gay-themed movie (short film, actually) called "Just Friends?". This movie did not do as well as Antique Bakery, acceptance-wise (nor as good in the movies). It included this (very) graphic sexual scene that we don't even see straight couples do in Korean movies or dramas. The Korean government said "the movie would provoke sexual curiosity in youth" and blah, blah, there was a lot of problems. The two lead actors said it changed their perspective a lot, though.

[@ConceptVBS]

@Siri93Ene Apparently, Korean is one of the easiest languages to learn. The reading and writing part is actually very logical. The pronunciation is the difficult part as their are quite a lot of complex, compounded words that can be difficult to roll the tongue. But overall, I'd say, out of all the east asian languages to learn, Korean is by far the easiest.

[@ibelieveinyourlies]

I actually have a Korean friend that's studying at Ehwa University, and she says they have a forum for lesbian couple where they can like, ask for relationship advice and stuff like that. She told me that before going to university she had no experience with homosexuals, but after seeing that forum, she said she realized they were just like any other couple, with the same problems. Just so cool hearing about that sort of stuff. :)

[@russianfantastico]

Wow first expatkerri's videos and now yours, very informative. It's amazing how there's now shows like 1 Girl 5 Gays and more books, comics, movies, KZbinrs discussing homosexuality, bullying then there ever has been. Still a long way to go but this is awesome.

[@nickjonasbigfan]

My mom said that when she was young, she would do the same. She said it's much more fun, and that she made some awesome gay friend's and never worried about being hit on or stalked, etc.

[@chai-lattae]

OMGGG....y'all picked my question! thank you so much for responding~

[@djandiek]

If you're in Insa-dong or Itaewon keep an eye out for a free guide book called ISHAP GUIDE BOOK. It lists all the gay venues around Korea. It's all in korean though, but just use google translate to take a photo and translate (if needed) and you're good to go :)

[@BlackmagerVlogs]

Thank you so much for this video. I've always been curious about homosexuality in Korea, especially because I've made friends from there. I tend to be the sort of guy that is very open about it, and I also study a lot of Korean. But everytime I think about how Korea isn't necessarily the most open about it, it sometimes discourages me from studying Korean.

[@McGanii]

Lately many bloggers in Korea are talking about this topic. About time. Its interesting hearing about what homosexuality is like in Korea. Thank you :)

[@dhk117rp]

I heard they are lot more lenient these days but it really depends on the intensity of the makeup and the whims of the school policy for that school but dyes are not allowed in most schools

[@moonconsort]

I have been waiting so long for you guys to talk about this! XD

[@eatyourkimchi]

WHOA. Honestly, I think you had a very different experience than other Korean ppl who grew up going to public Korean school. International schools in Korea are quite isolated from the rest of Korea (and I know you went to one, b/c public school in Korea does NOT have prom) ^^ Soooooo, I think you had an awesome group of open minded ppl, but the rest of Korea is still having a hard time with it!

[@Paigers616]

Thank you so much for this. I've been wondering about this for so long because so many people who have never been there or who don't know anyone there seem to be answering this question for people.

[@chai-lattae]

I know this was from like...forever ago, but thank you so much for answering my question. I'm glad you were able to provide us insight on how people in Korea feel about the LGBT community. This was a great video, and I respect y'all so much for actually answering a question about a touchy subject (especially for Koreans) like this. 감사합니다~ ^^

[@jzhaun]

@TeddyCupCake Pretending to be gay ones: top is Sungkyunkwan Scandal, left is Personal Preference, right is 1st Shop of Coffee Prince. I believe the one that is actually about a gay couple is called Life is Beautiful, but I haven't seen it, so I'm not sure if that's the one shown. SS and Coffee Prince are both about girls pretending to be boys (which makes the boys in love with them question their own sexuality). PP is about a guy claiming to be gay so that he can live with a single girl.

[@SooyoungFTW]

I'm really happy you guys are openminded about gays and also very happy to hear that my theory that the young generation in Korea is far more openminded about gays as well. I was a little scared they might be a bit more like the old traditional koreans that still deny the existence of homosexuals or just hate on them in general. But of course, Korea had to go ahead and be awesome by not only being openminded about it but also not using stereotypes. Oh Korea :'D P.S. Simon, you got my respect

[@Kittykatkat30]

What I'm really interested in is the relationship of gender stereo types in Korea (I'm still catching up with your videos so idk if you've made one like this already), I have a friend who is on an exchange program from Korea and at the beginning of the year everyone thought he was gay because he fell into the more 'feminine' american stereo type. When I asked him about it he said he wasn't gay at all and was perfectly comfortable that people thought that of him, because he was confident in his sexuality. What I've noticed is Korea has totally different gender types than America, like boys who are more feminine (in relation to american masculinity) can act that way normally because it is expected that they dress themselves nicely and take pride in that. From an american's point of view it looks like it's all tilted towards the more feminine and when people come over from Korea they don't fit in what we view as 'straight' and are branded as being homosexual. What is your opinion on this? Do you notice the same things?

[@Kittykatkat30]

No offense taken, I'm totally with you. It's really interesting! thanks :)

[@CloeOBrien242424]

Simon and Martina, I've heard from other Korean sources that holding hands and other very intimate acts of the same gender is mostly considered to be gay. I think most of the people you see doing so can be gay since you seem to frequent gay-friendly areas. I've also heard that many people complain about the fact that so many idols do this as fanservice, so I wouldn't be so quick to assume someone's orientation because of that.

[@mirroredhour]

(PART 1) Have you guys seen Antique Bakery? It stars Joo Ji Hoon (Princess Hours) and Kim Jae Wook (Coffee Prince). The movie even had a scene where Kim Jae Wook was having this make-out scene with this French guy and (I think) they were both half-naked, but the movie did really good in the theaters. It (quote from Wikipedia) "drew more than 1,000,000 moviegoers within its first two weeks of release, making it one of the most successful Korean movies ever made". I think that says A LOT on Korea.

[@musicislove198]

@gabsylv Sure :) In the K-pop fandom, some people will say that two people make a cute couple or that they think two people are romantically involved. It happens with both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. People who support a particular couple say that they "ship" them. So "shipping" has basically the same meaning as "supporting," but it's a term you usually only see in fandoms. It's not just K-pop either... I've seen couple shippers for video game characters!

[@creamy0bear]

i noticed that in a lot of korean dramas and in manga there's this common trope of cross-dressing or people being confused for the wrong gender, like with flat-chested girls who are tomboys or guys who wear maid dresses and that type of thing. i'd just like to know why it's such a popular theme in drama/manga?

[@YouHaveNeverHerdOfMe]

I think the reason Simon may come across as gay perhaps originate in his gentle nature. He speaks very softly and I'm not trying to accuse anyone with similar traits as gay! But there is something about his body language and the way he holds himself. Maybe even the camera angel in your old videos (like this one). Another thing may be the undeniable perfect skin, occasionally it appears as Simon wears makeup as I have seen in some of your videos. But then again camera, good lighting and angle.

[@lanadaniel]

omg Croatia is on the suitcase of a world traveler!! anyway you are great. I love watching you!! kisses from Croatia!

[@LoverMusify]

I love that you guys decided to post this video ! Thank You ! These helps people understand more about Korea and its people. I sure learned something. And about homosexuality, it's nice to hear the opinions of a straight a couple on homosexuality. Thanks Guys ! I love you! BIG FAN!!! Lots of love from Miami ! ^_*

[@Cilibi]

Well, yes there are. I know there are lots of shipped pairings that no one knows if they're actually true, but Yunho and Jaejoong from TVXQ went on a couples talk tv show together as a couple. So yes, it does happen.

[@polykarbonx]

I have never felt more excluded than I have as a gay foreigner living in Daegu. I can't stand how unaccepting both the foreigners I work with and the Korean's I've met have been towards my sexuality. If it weren't for the money being paid to me at the beginning of every month, I would've gone home by now. I'm sad that I wasn't placed in Seoul because I believe I would've had the option to feel accepted in certain parts of the city, like you mentioned. However in Daegu there is nothing.

[@IHeartJohnKrasinski]

I LOVE THIS SEGMENT!!! thanks guys, every video is SO interesting!! fightinggg ;)

[@stupidsminkle]

I haven't been to Korea, though my talks with Korean-Americans say that while standards of masculinity/femininity for men and women in Korea are different, for example Korean men don't mind wearing pink or carrying a girl's purse on a date, I've heard that outside of Kpop being a very feminine man might not get you labeled very well. I'm not to sure about trans people in Korea, but I hope the situation for LGBT gets better.

[@ThucThucTruong]

From their WTF eyelid tape segment, it seems many girls get eyelid surgery during their 3rd year of highschool? Not sure if it's the 3rd year, but it's common for people normally in S. Korea, at least from what I've heard.

[@tophrocks234]

This clears a couple things up for me. My boyfriend is Korean and at one point I casually mentioned my middle school principal being with his boyfriend. It took a couple minutes for him to realize I wasn't joking and said he isn't used to gay people yet. We're both of the Christian faith which may add something for him, but I'm open about my opinion that gay marriage should be legal and etc. This was very informative and answered my Questions :D

[@mfgrape8144]

How would one go about asking a Korean guy if he is gay? I have a Korean friend and recently I'm under the impression that he is interested in me from playing eye-tag to slightly delayed (just shy of a minute) yet intentional moving of legs or arms that come into contact. However, I do not want to lose him as a friend or offend him if he is not gay. Unfortunately, our common language is Japanese, so it a lot can get lost in translation. Any help, advice, etc would be most appreciated. He is a really great friend and I'd rather keep that strong than risk some extreme awkwardness.

[@MrLGDUK]

Wear a t-shirt with two 'male' symbols interlocked and ask 'Hey, do you like my t-shirt?' Keep doing that sort of stuff until he feels comfortable enough to say something himself, rather than put him under pressure with it... [and now I get flamed for bad advice??]

[@mfgrape8144]

MrLGDUK Well, no need for flames, some advice is better than no advice. We did stop buy an anime goods shop. He pointed out the Yaoi (boy love) floor and suggested I might not be interested in that and then brought me down a floor to the hentai/lolita floor. He walked in first and I followed him, but after less than a minute he had turned and we left. In hindsight that may have been his attempt at trying to bring up the subject. Another night after drinking, I did go shirtless out into the hallway to catch a cicada that got in and he heard me and came out of his room. He kept his head down, said very little and shortly after went back to his room...yet, he has gone to a public bath with another housemate and he is usually chatty, so I am not sure if he is not comfortable with me + sex or if sexuality is a hurdle he hasn't gotten over yet. In any event, he is in Korea until he can get his visa renewed.

[@MrLGDUK]

MF Grape Hahaha - Awesome. I think it'll all work out if you give it time. When it does, play it cool (as much as possible) and enjoy =D

[@EvilTreeFrogs]

I'm just glad to know that it's a mixture of opinions and not all out shunning of homosexuality. It, for the most part, sounds like how things really are in America too (not how the movies or Hollywood would have you believe!). Older people are way less accepting if at all, then there are those who don't know what to think cause they haven't encountered it, and then there is the young crowd which are generally more accepting. It's interesting how it has to do with age....

[@thegoodgirl25]

In high school, I wore my hair in a ponytail everyday, never wore dresses or make-up and had many male friends. Apparently that made a lot of people question my orientation. That was surprising to me since I'd been crushing on boys since 2nd grade, but just never felt the need to tell everyone. Just because someone does not fit the stereotype does not make them gay (not that gay is a bad thing!) It's just so silly to assume everyONE in this world must act according to how the world would prefer.

[@kabear]

omg thanks for this! i'm seriously considering teaching in Korea after i finish my masters next year, and this was one of the things i was really curious about and wasn't sure how to start researching it, or if there were neighborhoods, etc where it was more accepted.... looks like i should definitely request Seoul :D

[@shalom1948hellyeah]

@erwer8 in my experience Korean attitude towards homosexuality isn't much different from here in the US 10-15 years ago. one thing that is different is that in much of Asia and Africa (read non-Western) they see homosexual "identity" as a modern, Western concept. For example the Classical Greeks had homosexuality that is very different from the modern concept, you are Indian so you may be familiar with Pashtun region's stereotypes of pedastry. In some ways "gay" is a Western concept.

[@IvanaTakanori]

omg!! 1:03 that little guy with a suit case has Croatia written on it! omg I love you guys, and Croatia loves you as well :D

[@MoldyWarts]

I think they mean if two guys were in a relationship, which label would be used. Wouldn't the labels just be dropped in that situation though?

[@KaelynnzERbin]

From left to right they are: "Personal Preference", "Sungkyunkwan Scandal", "Coffee Prince", and "Life is Beautiful"

[@AngelPatience]

Wondered why Kdramas all kind of made such a huge deal out of the lead boy liking the lead "boy whos actually a girl". After I think my 3rd time seeing Hong Seok-cheon on Strong Heart I did a little research & realized Koreas standpoint on homosexuality might still be rather close minded. Its good to hear that things might not be as bad as I was thinking it was. I dont know if you guys have seen it but a Korean film called "Antique Bakery" has a very gay lead character played by Kim Jae Wook

[@Jessamine29]

Thank you so much for doing this video I've wanted to know more about this for ages :)

[@EatyourkimchiBonus]

@ByuntaeYoonmin That drama was "Life Is Beautiful", but Hong Seok-cheon responded to that article and ripped those mothers a new one. GO 홍석천!!!!

[@skyhr]

Of course, citizenship and jobs are a delicate issue. I am not completely sure on the process of hiring foreigners, especially other than teachers. But learning the language on a high level may be difficult (must learn some Chinese characters, which we call "Han Moon", the equivalent of Latin/Greek pre/postfixes in English, or something like that). Language is obviously a must, but I don't know the rest. Even normal Koreans are having tough time finding jobs (unless they're highly qualified).

[@Djinnk042]

Obviously it's not the same thing, but if anyone's interested, check out Harisu in the Korean family drama Beating Heart. She plays a trans woman and faces similar stigmas.

[@SeaWitchinSeattle]

You guys handled this topic in a very classy and polite way! I was apprehensive watching this video because I am gay and I didn't know how you guys would address it (Even though I am a HUGE fan of course) but yeah...awesome!

[@killersniper555]

so your saying if i learn Korean,i have to learn Chinese as well. because it will be a bit difficult because Chinese has over 5000 characters.

[@PanzyMistress]

How do you crank out all these videos in such little time?! The quality is not lacking at all, as well! Always interesting topics, funny interaction, educational and fun ^_^ This one's really interesting, too. I've always wondered about homosexuality in S.Korea, so that's cool.

[@cutedaly]

there has never been an idol that has said that they were gay, but there is one comedian/entertainer that has admitted to being gay and he is friends with many idols like jaejoong, and ect.

[@HugoMadizon]

I needed this video. Thank you Simon and Martina

[@Peter0262]

You guys are great. You even invaded my dreams. In October I'll be over there for 3 weeks. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm taking multiple cameras and plan on documenting all the great food I eat.

[@skyhr]

Hello, I'd like to leave an insightful comment about the relatively conservative culture of Korea. Korea has just come out of a very harsh war in the 50s and gained tremendous economic progress in just 60 years, something that no other country has really done (US has gone through 300 years, etc) So you see how the economic progress was fast but the social culture has not yet followed? That's why our "grandparents" are conservative thinkers. Also, social progress is advancing fast now too.

[@asdx88]

Since we've got a progressive mayor in Seoul, we have a LGBT festival, none-gay person also enjoy(Protestant churches are strongly against of this so they do demo against of the festival near the festival places, Protestant is the biggest religious in Korea(approx 20%), some of them are really aggressive, some church people regularly attacks other religion, so others Catholic and Buddhists are kind of friendly to each other, celebrate each other's holidays). Also 2 our internet site that is most famous/biggest/successful/ would be Naver(NHN, LINE) and Daum(also known as KAKAO). NAVER firstly launched a daily life story intern cartoon (webtoon) as a lesbian and Daum soon launched similar thing of gay. At first, and even now some, there wore haters wrote aggressive cetomments on that, then they get sweared by thousands of fans of this webtoon. Buddhists are friendly to homosexuality so they kind of become "helper" to persuade parents to accept their sons and daughters in homosexuality.. Anyways, what i wanted to say is, old people are generally not welcoming, but old people are not always against of homosexuality, and people are more open-minded on internet.

[@MeralikeShakira]

For dramas that adress homosexuality i recommend 'Daughters of club bilitis' the response to this drama was so severely negative that it will never air again. It addresses lesbianism in Korea from the POV of three generations of lesbian couples. What sucks is also that young people's source to information about lgbt subjects are limited in ROK. Sometimes if you type in 'homosexual' or 'gay' in a search engine it will block contents if you are underage. I do hope things get better...

[@nightshadow73]

I think this is where the normal PDA's between the same sexes probably plays a roll in most people in Korea not really thinking much about homosexuality. They are so used to people of the same sex showing affection to each other that it doesn't really impact them any.

[@gal1004]

I remember when I lived in Korea during junior high that many rumors about homosexual girls existing in many girls only schools.

[@glee8]

so happy you did a vid on this!

[@ZanetaLeung]

Ah, this brings up a question i've been having for a while. since there are dramas about girls pretending to be guys. and pretending to be gay and such. when the drama 'Daughters of Club Bilitis' (KBS) aired about a lesbian couple, why did that receive such harsh criticisms?