Problems of Publicity: Online Activism and Discussion of Same-Sex Sexuality in South Korea and China

This study analyses recent online activism by gay and lesbian groups and their supporters in South Korea and Mainland China, looking at the challenges they have encountered, both in their campaigns to raise public support for legislative reforms, and in their efforts to promote a more visible and positive image of gays and lesbians among the Korean and Chinese publics. While acknowledging the importance of the Internet among the constituent members of gay and lesbian communities in both nations, this article argues that for activists seeking to publicise such issues and perspectives beyond the boundaries of these communities, exclusively online methods of activism are of limited effectiveness when compared to the publicity power of traditional media. As such, a renewed focus on accessing and influencing traditional media will be necessary for these groups if they want to win greater public support and effect socio-cultural and institutional change.