
South Korea
The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is a democracy that largely respects the civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights of its citizens. However, several human rights concerns remain, including pervasive and systemic discrimination against at-risk groups, including women and girls; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people; racial minorities; migrants; older people; and people with disabilities. South Korea remains one of the few Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries without an anti-discrimination law. Although South Korea has a relatively free press and lively civil society, the authorities continue to use draconian criminal defamation laws and sweeping intelligence and national security laws to restrict speech, creating a chilling effect that limits critical scrutiny of corporations as well as the government.

Videos
Videos-
-
September 14, 2021
“I Thought of Myself as Defective”
Neglecting the Rights of LGBT Youth in South Korean Schools
-
-
News
-
July 21, 2025
Joint Letter to South Korean President Lee Jae-myung
Re: South Korea's Abolition of the Death Penalty
-
-
May 27, 2025
South Korea: New Reform Party Addresses Rights Questions
No Responses from Remaining Two Major Presidential Contenders
-
-
May 13, 2025
South Korea: Candidates Should Express Views on Rights
Human Rights Watch Sent 16 Questions to Presidential Candidates
-
April 4, 2025
South Korea Court Removes President Yoon from Office
-
March 24, 2025
South Koreans Await Court’s Verdict on President’s Impeachment
Mounting Political Tensions, Violence
-
March 5, 2025
South Korea Should End Workplace Harassment for All Workers
Death of Oh Yoanna Highlights Gaps in the Law
-
January 16, 2025
Asia's 'people power' alive and kicking amid disturbing global currents
Human rights and rule of law are a foundation for growth and stability – not a diversion from it
-
January 16, 2025
South Korea: Rights and Democracy Prevail
President’s Short-Lived Martial Law Ends in Impeachment