Beyond the 'hate' election campaign: Rainbows after the rain [Han Chae-yoon's Rainbow After the Rain]
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
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- A Seoul mayoral candidate is using controversial anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, including calls to expel "queer and homosexual education" from schools.
- Critics argue the candidate's campaign focuses on divisive "ideological fronts" rather than practical educational reforms, citing the lack of actual "queer education" in schools and the fact that the Seoul Queer Culture Festival has not been held in the city square for four years.
- Despite the divisive campaign, supporters of equality are responding with creative solidarity, while a recent court victory offers hope for LGBTQ+ rights.
A Seoul mayoral candidate has ignited controversy by making the expulsion of "queer and homosexual education" a central plank of his campaign. Jo Jeon-hyuk, who previously ran on platforms opposing teachers' unions and student rights ordinances, has now adopted inflammatory rhetoric targeting the LGBTQ+ community. His campaign launch event was held at Seoul Plaza, symbolically chosen to oppose the "queer culture festival" which he claims negatively impacts youth.
Why are schools in my neighborhood secretly teaching homosexuality?
Critics argue Jo's campaign is strategically employing "ideological fronts" for electoral gain rather than addressing substantive educational issues. His slogan to "expel homosexual education" has caused confusion within the LGBTQ+ community, as there is no widespread "queer education" in schools. Furthermore, the Seoul Queer Culture Festival has not taken place in Seoul Plaza for four years. This focus on non-existent issues suggests a calculated political maneuver, especially as Jo has aligned himself with figures known for opposing progressive movements.
Queer people are living together in schools.
While Jo claims he is merely seeking to establish clear standards against "unverified content" entering schools, his selective outrage is apparent. He has remained silent on educational content that negatively portrays historical events like the April 19th Revolution or likens civilian massacres to "cancer cell removal," as seen in certain educational materials. This selective focus on LGBTQ+ issues, while ignoring other controversial educational content, highlights the campaign's divisive nature.
What education needs is the expulsion of discrimination and hate.
Despite the divisive electioneering, a spirit of hope and solidarity is emerging. Citizens have responded to Jo's campaign materials with "comment banners" advocating for inclusion and equality in education. Local groups have organized displays of rainbow ribbons and supportive signage. In a significant development, Pastor Nam Jae-young, who was excommunicated for performing a blessing at the 2024 Seoul Queer Parade, recently won a lawsuit challenging his expulsion. As the Seoul Queer Parade is set to take place on June 13th, followed by the Korea Queer Film Festival, these events promise to bring a message of love and equality back to the city's public spaces.
Adolescent sexual minorities exist everywhere.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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