A comparative study of factors influencing the acceptance of homosexuality in Thailand and south Korea: focused on media’s portrayal before and after the 1990s

Today, homosexuality has broadened beyond sexual issues and is expanding its influence in politics, economy, society, and culture worldwide through developed media platforms. The acceptance of homosexuality varies across regions and countries, and the factors influencing it are also diverse. In the past, religion or historical background were the main factors, but in modern society, democratic and economic development, as well as media exposure, are considered the main reasons for changes in attitudes towards homosexuality and social minorities (Inglehart, 2010). Thailand and Korea are representative countries in Asia that achieved significant economic, social media, and political development by the 1990s; however, their acceptance of homosexuality differs markedly. This comparative analysis aims to identify why Thailand has emerged as a symbol of homosexuality in Asia, while Korea remains conservative on the issue despite similar developments in economy, politics, and media during the same period.This study is divided into two parts, examining the history of homosexuality in Thailand and South Korea before and after the 1990s. The thesis primarily relies on literature analysis and adopts a comparative approach to investigate religion, the portrayal of homosexuality in media, national policies, and the LGBT movement in Thailand and Korea.The research draws upon a range of sources, including history books, research reports, dissertations, opinion polls, news articles from various media outlets, and data obtained from internet sources. The ultimate goal of this study is to promote mutual cultural understanding by comparing the historical portrayal of homosexuality in the media between the two countries before and after the 1990s, with a focus on identifying factors from the perspectives of religion, economics and media, national policy, and legislation that influence the acceptance of homosexuality.