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A country famous for its social uniformity is a difficult place to stand out as a sexual minority. According to a statistical survey conducted among 16- to 74-year-olds in 2024, only four percent of respondents identified as LGBTQ+, with lesbians comprising approximately one percent. Given the small percentage, many lesbians in South Korea often lead closeted lives. They aren't as open to coming out and rely on close-knit communities for support, partly because of the scrutiny from the public. The recent controversy surrounding Red Velvet's upcoming EP “TILT” featuring Irene and SeulGi is the best example to understand this.
When Red Velvet dropped the teaser images for “TILT,” fans buzzed with anticipation. One image in particular, featuring an oyster adorned with pearls, went viral for its alleged erotic symbolism. Some believed that it was part of the sensual concept that featured other mild aphrodisiacs such as eggs, apples, olives, raspberries, and cherries, while others depicted it as a sexual innuendo. While the actual meaning remains up for debate, the backlash was impactful. SM Entertainment pulled the image from all official promotions. The incident reminded many that lesbian relationships and queer visibility in Korea still face intense scrutiny.
i just realized...this oyster is part of red velvet iceberg now 😭😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/XZdoBnPBwr
— jow 🦇 (@kseulgijjang) May 17, 2025
Ironically, Red Velvet has long held iconic status among many fans within Korea's lesbian community. Irene and SeulGi, especially, have topped fan polls and inspired endless fan fiction. Hong Kong-based Filipina author Purple Chrystyl S. Romero even published a queer novel, "Dito, Sa Purple House," "based on" Irene and SeulGi. However, lesbians continue to face challenges each time they come out in public despite the rising acceptance of same-sex couples in the country.
ToGetHer: Korea's First Lesbian Dating Show
Earlier this year, WAVVE released Korea’s first lesbian dating show, "ToGetHer," and it did not go unnoticed. The show featured the classic dating reality show premise simply featuring an all-women cast cohabiting in hopes of finding love. However, even before its release, the show was criticized by some netizens for allegedly not being ‘lesbian enough.’ It sparked debates about public's expectations and stereotypes about queer women. Its contestant Kim RiWon was also criticized for her past as a cam girl. She was also accused of misleading viewers about her sexual identity over an alleged previous heterosexual relationship, a claim that sparked debate over misconceptions about sexuality and identity. The backlash escalated when a fellow contestant accused RiWon of inappropriate advances.
Eventually, the show was released with many of RiWon's scenes edited out. This decision also received backlash, as WAVVE is no stranger to queer content and the scrutiny it invites. Its earlier project, “Merry Queer,” featured diverse LGBTQIA+ couples, including gay, lesbian, and transgender relationships. Despite its limited fame among mainstream media, the series helped showcase the challenges and life of LGBTQ+ couples. When it comes to mainstream news, lesbian couple Kim KyuJin and Kim SaeYeon are the icons of lesbians in South Korea.
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