South Korea to Revise Guide That Listed Homosexuality Under Juvenile Delinquency
South Korea’s Ministry of Gender Equality and Family expressed regret on November 4, 2026, and promised to immediately correct a manual for counsellors working with young people at risk. The manual listed homosexuality alongside sexual violence, theft and drug-related problems in a category for juvenile delinquency.
The Korea Youth Counseling & Welfare Institute published the manual for specialists who visit young people and help them access psychological, social, medical and educational support. The Korean outlet Chamseasang reported the classification, and the wording drew criticism.
The ministry plans to review other parts of the manual with counselling experts and strengthen human rights training for staff. The Korea Herald reports that in August the ministry revised separate guidelines for youth shelters. They prohibit refusing admission on grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity.
In September, Uránia reported on a separate school anti-discrimination guide from which South Korea’s education ministry removed references to LGBT people.
