Majority of Korean Workers Back Consent-Based Rape Law and Anti-Discrimination Bill (Image courtesy of Getty Image Bank/CCL)
SEOUL, July 28 (Korea Bizwire) — A new survey shows overwhelming support among South Korean workers for legislative efforts to criminalize non-consensual sex and enact a comprehensive anti-discrimination law, placing pressure on the Yoon Suk Yeol administration to take action on gender equality reforms.
According to a poll released on Sunday by labor rights group Workplace Gapjil 119, 72.7% of respondents said the government should push forward legislation that would recognize non-consensual sex—regardless of physical violence or threats—as a punishable crime. Support was notably higher among women (83.9%) than men (62.6%).
The current law in South Korea defines rape narrowly, requiring proof of violence or coercion. Advocates have long argued this legal standard fails to reflect the realities of sexual violence, particularly in cases involving abuse of power or psychological pressure.
The same survey found that 70.7% of respondents also supported the enactment of a comprehensive anti-discrimination law banning bias based on gender, religion, or region. Female respondents again showed stronger support (79.9%) compared to male respondents (62.4%).
Workplace Gapjil 119 criticized recent government appointments, accusing the Lee Jae-myung administration of nominating officials who “hide behind calls for social consensus” instead of actively pursuing equality measures. The group called for the appointment of a gender equality minister who fully understands and is committed to advancing these legislative reforms.
The survey was conducted by research firm Global Research between July 1 and 7, polling 1,000 employed adults nationwide.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
