How LGBTQ+ Friendly Are Korea and Japan in 2026 Despite Their Popular BL Culture?

Hey, I had a personal question I was curious about. We know that a lot of BL manhwas come from Korea, while Japan has a huge BL/yaoi industry as well. At the same time, I know that both Korea and Japan can be quite conservative when it comes to LGBTQ+ issues.

So, what is the situation actually like in Korea and Japan in 2026? How conservative or accepting are people toward gay and lesbian relationships and the LGBTQ+ community in general? I know that BL is extremely popular and openly consumed, but I’m curious whether that popularity translates into actual acceptance of LGBTQ+ people in real life.

I’d especially like to hear from people who actually live there or have firsthand experience, because I’m more interested in what the social attitude is really like beyond what we see through BL, manga, dramas, and media.