Hong Seok-cheon receives 2025 Pride Award

Veteran actor and television personality Hong Seok-cheon was honored Friday at Pride Gala, an annual event celebrating diversity and inclusion in Korea’s LGBTQ+ community, for his 25 years of impact on LGBTQ+ rights.

The gala, hosted by the nonprofit organization Sinnaneun Center, is held each May in conjunction with the International Day Against Homophobia, which falls on May 17. The event brings together opinion leaders, activists and artists to recognize those who have made significant contributions to LGBTQ+ rights and to promote greater acceptance through culture and the arts.

The 54-year-old celebrity rose to fame in the late 1990s and made history in 2000 as Korea’s first openly gay celebrity when he came out on national television. His announcement was met with immediate backlash, leading to his removal from TV shows and widespread discrimination. Despite these challenges, Hong has continued his career gradually and has become a prominent advocate for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Since then, Hong has become a familiar face on TV programs and has also established himself as a restaurateur in Seoul’s Itaewon area, creating safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. The event organizer said Hong has continued to mentor young entertainers and share stories of courage and identity, further promoting LGBTQ+ visibility in Korean society.

At this year’s Pride Gala, Hong received the Pride Award, which recognizes individuals or organizations who have made significant contributions to LGBTQ+ rights in Korea.

Previous recipients include the late lawmaker Roh Hoe-chan, who participated in Korea’s first public same-sex wedding and advocated for legislation to prevent discrimination against transgender people, and the Queer Bible Commentary Translation Committee, which published a Bible commentary offering perspectives from various social minorities.

The event organizer expressed hope that as opinion leaders from politics, economics, society and culture connect and unite through the Pride Gala, important discussions needed to advance the rights and interests of sexual minorities will emerge across all sectors of society.

“The Pride Gala, held each May to coincide with the International Day Against Homophobia, also serves as an occasion to recognize and encourage LGBTQ+-friendly companies that are working to promote the values of diversity and inclusion,” the organizer said.