STORY: Thousands of LGBT South Koreans and allies took to the streets of central Seoul on Saturday (June 14) for the 26th Seoul Queer Culture Festival, waving giant rainbow flags and dancing in celebration of identity and inclusion.

Festival participants marched in downtown Seoul, wearing rainbow-coloured attire and waving pride flags, while cheering crowds lined the streets. Vehicles complete with bubble guns and music led the procession.

“Things have changed a lot from the past,” said 44-year-old participant Hong Il-pyo, dressed in drag. “But many still seem to think, ‘We know you exist, just don’t come out.’ I hope we move beyond that, toward a society where we all thrive together.”

The annual event was held under the slogan “We Will Never Stop.” While previous years were dominated by disputes over venue permits and a more hostile political tone, participants said this year’s event felt slightly more open under the current government.

“Under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, discrimination against sexual minorities intensified, with official policies often sidelining LGBT rights,” said Hwang Chae-yoon, the festival’s chief organiser. “This year’s slogan reflects our determination to keep going, no matter the challenges.”

Over 70 exhibitors from foreign embassies and university clubs participated in the event selling goods and showcasing displays. Organisers said they expected turnout to exceed last year’s 150,000.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (JUNE 14, 2025) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF SEOUL QUEER FESTIVAL PARTICIPANTS HOLDING GIANT RAINBOW FLAGS

2. PARICIPANTS MARCHING WHILE HOLDING RAINBOW FLAGS

3. CROWD CHEERING AND HOLDING FLAGS

4. PARTICIPANTS ON VEHICLE, PARTICIPANT BLOWING BUBBLES WITH BUBBLE GUN

5. PARTICIPANTS HOLDING RAINBOW FLAG / WORDS ON FLAG READING (Korean): "Women's Rights, Change made with Women's Voices"

6. PARTICIPANTS CHEERING / PARTICIPANTS MARCHING ON STREET

7. PARTICIPANTS ON VEHICLE BLOWING BUBBLES WITH BUBBLE GUN

8. POLICE STANDING, PARADE ONGOING

9. PARTICIPANTS MARCHING WHILE SMILING

10. VARIOUS OF PARTICIPANTS ON VEHICLE DANCING AND HOLDING RAINBOW FLAGS

11. DRAG QUEEN DRESSED IN RAINBOW,WALKING IN FESTIVAL

12. (SOUNDBITE) (Korean) 44-YEAR-OLD FESTIVAL PARTICIPANT HONG IL-PYO WHO WAS DRESSED IN DRAG SAYING:

"Things have changed a lot from the past, but still, many people seem to think, ‘We know you exist, just don’t come out - live as if you’re not who you are.’ I hope we can move beyond that, to a society that says, ‘You exist, and since we all live together, let’s thrive together.’ That’s the kind of change I hope to see."

13. DRAG QUEEN DRESSED IN RAINBOW POSING FOR PHOTOGRAPH

14. VARIOUS OF PARTICIPANTS CHEERING/PARTICIPANTS RIDING MOTORCYCLES IN PARADE

15. PARTICIPANTS WAVING FLAGS

16. (SOUNDBITE) (Korean) CHIEF ORGANISER OF SEOUL QUEER CULTURE FESTIVAL, HWANG CHAE-YOON, SAYING:

“The slogan of the 26th Seoul Queer Culture Festival is ‘We Will Never Stop,’ reflecting our unwavering commitment to advancing human rights. Under the previous Yoon Suk Yeol administration, discrimination against sexual minorities intensified, with official policies often disregarding LGBT rights. This slogan expresses our firm resolve not to back down in the face of such challenges.”

17. PARADE IN PROGRESS / PEOPLE MARCHING