Familienpolitik

South Korean actress Ok So-ri admits it. She had an affair with her husband’s friend. But she doesn’t think she should go to jail for it. This New York Times article explains how a high-profile celebrity sex scandal is reflective of greater societal changes and may change the laws prohibiting adultery.

Part of the problem is that the law was historically used to protect women whose husbands strayed. But as women become more financially independent, many are less sure that the protection is worth the risk.

Still, many think it is too early to rescind the adultery law. In a country where many women silently suffer their husbands’ infidelity out of fear that a divorce could leave them impoverished, adultery charges remain a potent tool to secure a better financial settlement or child custody, Ms. Kwak of the Korea Legal Aid Center said. Although divorce laws have become more equitable, in many cases, the men still receive most of the family’s wealth.

Tags: adultery, family policy, South Korea