South Korea apologises after youth manual labelled homosexuality "delinquency"

Pride FM News · 9 November 2026

South Korea's government has apologised after a counselling manual for young people listed homosexuality as a form of juvenile delinquency, alongside sexual violence, theft and drug problems. The manual, used by youth workers, was published by the Korea Youth Counselling and Welfare Institute, which blamed an error by its compiling team. The wording first appeared in 2019 and was repeated last December. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family said it regretted the discomfort and concern caused to queer young people, and has ordered the wording removed, a review of the manual and extra human rights training for staff. It follows new rules in August that stop youth shelters turning young people away because of their sexuality or gender identity.

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