On 23rd January 2025 (Thursday), Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriages. Following the legalisation, hundreds of LGBTQ couples were able to formalise their union – including these two Korean YouTubers.
YouTuber couple, Mango Couple (망원댁TV), recently went viral on social media after announcing they had their marriage license certified in Thailand. The two content creators, Kim (킴) and Pack (백팩), travelled to the country to join the hundreds of Thai people formalising their union because South Korea does not legally recognise same-sex marriages.
Mango Couple shared their story during an interview with a local television station. According to the two, they had tried to register their marriage in South Korea last year to celebrate their 10th anniversary. Unfortunately, the Korean government doesn’t formally recognise the union. Instead, the couple went to Thailand to register their marriage. The content creators also said they were moved by the love and support they received from the Thai community.
It’s worth noting that Mango Couple’s marriage still won’t be recognised in South Korea. However, netizens understood the couple’s action as a symbolic gesture for their relationship. The two also said they’ll continue advocating for marriage equality in their home country. Through their YouTube channel, which boasts over 300,000 followers, Kim and Pack share what it’s like to be queer in South Korea while advocating for equal rights for the LGBTQ community.
Many netizens have since congratulated the couple on their marriage and voiced support as they continue to advocate for equal rights in South Korea. At the same time, netizens congratulated the other Thai LGBTQ couples who registered their marriage following the legalisation. Many also said they hope that more Asian countries will recognise same-sex couples and give them the respect they deserve.
We want to congratulate Mango Couple and all the Thai LGBTQ couples on their marriages. May their love last lifetimes.
Watch Mango Couple’s interview below (during the 42:40 – 43:50 mark)
