South Korean filmmaker Kim Jho Gwang-soo announces symbolic gay 'wedding'

The first time a South Korean celebrity announced he was gay, in 2000, the reaction was quick and without empathy. Actor and entertainer Hong Suk-chon was banished from television and radio programmes for three years, and he said in a talk-show interview this year that he regretted coming out.

But another celebrity's recent wedding announcement suggests that the homosexual community may be slowly winning the fight for public acceptance.

Movie director Kim Jho Gwang-soo surprised many last month by announcing he would symbolically tie the knot with his long-time male partner on September 7 in what would be the highest-profile ceremony of its kind in South Korea. He and Dave Kim envision a massive public event in Seoul with guests honouring their relationship by donating money to build a centre for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Later they will try to get their marriage registered, and if they are rejected, as is expected, they intend to file a constitutional appeal. "We want [South Korea] to enter the stage of starting discussions on" same-sex marriage, said Kim Jho, 48.

Online news outlets carried photos of the boyish-looking star kissing his curly-haired, 28-year-old partner, and their names were among the most popular search words on web portals for much of the day.

Some conservative newspapers ignored the announcement, but there was little criticism of the couple in the media.

Kim Jho said he and his partner had not encountered any anti-gay slurs, and there have been people on the street who encouraged them.