For those who are unaware, in countries like Japan and Korea where gay marriage is illegal...

For those who are unaware, in countries like Japan and Korea where gay marriage is illegal, it’s not unheard of for gay people to “adopt” their long term partner. Meaning yes, on paper, Ho is legally Haebom’s “son.”

This grants them certain legal rights and protections since they are now considered a family. For example, if one partner was hospitalized, their partner could be denied visitation because even if they have rings and consider each other married, their relationship would not be recognized as a legitimate marriage. However if they adopted each other, they are now a family which takes care of that problem. This also helps with inheritance because their partner is now considered next of kin, whereas if they weren’t adopted, the estate of the person that passed could go to any relative rather than their partner.

I really, really like that the author chose this route rather than having Haebom get the ring. I would’ve loved it just the same, but this gives the story a little realism and reminds us that even though their community mostly accepts them, they still live in a Society that might not be as kind to them. I’ve always respected that even though this author adds little moments of the sad reality of a gay couple living in a homophobic society, it’s not gloom and doom all the time and they can still find their people and love in their own way.

This was gorgeous from start to finish and even though I said all that, I’d give anything for an epilogue of them in America having a big wedding with baby Sol as the flower girl, and then seeing her as an adult with her two dads .