Introduction
Marriage is a sacred institution that is regulated by laws and cultural norms in different parts of the world. In Korea, like in many other countries, polygamy is illegal. This means that it is not acceptable to have more than one wife or husband at the same time. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, including cases of divorce, remarriage, and adoption. In this article, we will explore the topic of whether you can have two wives in Korea and provide a comprehensive overview of the legal and cultural implications of this practice.
The legal framework
The Korean Constitution guarantees equal rights and protections for all citizens, regardless of their gender or marital status. The Civil Code regulates marriage and family relationships and prohibits polygamy. According to Article 809 of the Civil Code, “A person who has a spouse shall not marry another person.” This means that if you are already married, you cannot legally marry another person without first obtaining a divorce from your current spouse.
Divorce and remarriage
If you are divorced from your spouse, you are free to remarry another person. However, there are some restrictions on remarriage that apply to certain groups of people. For example, if you are a woman who has been divorced within six months of her previous marriage, you cannot remarry unless you are pregnant or have given birth. This restriction is designed to prevent women from engaging in “serial marriages” and protect them from potential abuse or exploitation.
Adoption
In some cases, it is possible to have two wives in Korea through adoption. If a man adopts a child who is related to his wife by blood, the child becomes his legal heir and can inherit his property. This means that the man may have two wives in a sense, as his adopted daughter would inherit his property if he were to die. However, this practice is relatively rare and is not considered a form of polygamy in the traditional sense.
Cultural attitudes towards polygamy
Korea is a predominantly Confucian society, which places great emphasis on family values and hierarchy. Polygamy is not widely accepted in Korean culture, and is viewed as a violation of the moral principles that underpin the family unit. In general, Koreans value monogamous relationships and place a high priority on fidelity and loyalty within marriage.
Historical context
Polygamy has not been a common practice in Korea for several centuries. During the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), elite men were allowed to have multiple wives, but this practice was abolished during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Since then, monogamous relationships have been the norm in Korea, and polygamy has been stigmatized as a symbol of excess and immorality.
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Religious perspectives
Religion has played a significant role in shaping attitudes towards marriage and family relationships in Korea. Christianity, which is one of the dominant religions in Korea, strongly opposes polygamy and advocates for monogamous relationships as the ideal form of marriage. Buddhism, which also has a large following in Korea, does not explicitly prohibit polygamy but emphasizes the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships within the family.
The impact of globalization
Korea has undergone significant social and cultural changes over the past few decades due to globalization and increased exposure to Western values. While polygamy remains illegal in Korea, some people may be influenced by the more permissive attitudes towards polygamy that exist in other parts of the world. However, it is unlikely that polygamy will become widely accepted in Korea anytime soon, given the strong cultural and legal barriers that exist.
The role of women
Women have historically been disadvantaged in Korean society, particularly in terms of their rights within marriage and family relationships. Polygamy represents a particular threat to women’s autonomy and agency, as it can lead to unequal power dynamics and increased risk of abuse or neglect. For these reasons, many women’s rights advocates view polygamy as a form of gender-based violence and advocate for its abolition.
Conclusion
While it is technically possible to have two wives in Korea through adoption or remarriage after divorce, polygamy is not legally or culturally accepted in Korean society. Koreans value monogamous relationships and place a high priority on fidelity and loyalty within marriage. Polygamy is viewed as a violation of the moral principles that underpin the family unit and is stigmatized as a symbol of excess and immorality. While social and cultural changes are inevitable, it is unlikely that polygamy will become widely accepted in Korea anytime soon, given the strong cultural and legal barriers that exist.
For a long time, a law existed that prohibited individuals with the same surname and ancestral paternal origin from getting married. However, in 1997, South Korea’s Constitutional Court deemed this law unconstitutional. Eventually, in 2005, the civil code was updated to only prohibit marriages between closely related individuals.
What are the rules of marriage in Korea?
In South Korea, marriage is only allowed between people of opposite genders as same-sex marriages are not recognized. People who are over 18 (males) or 16 (females) can get married as long as they have consent from their parents or guardians.
- Lingo Mastery (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 289 Pages - 08/03/2020 (Publication Date) - Lingo Mastery (Publisher)
- [GENTLE YET POTENT CLEANSING OIL] Effective in eliminating makeup residue, blackheads and sebum, whilst preventing pore congestion. Essential step for double cleansing, with glowy glass skin results.
- [MILD INGREDIENTS ONLY] Formulated with Heartleaf extract for soothing effects on the skin
- [FOR ALL SKIN TYPES] Hypoallergenic & Non-Irritation Test completed, making it suitable for all skin types and especially Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin.
- [GENTLE ON THE EYES] No eye stinging experiences when used around eyes, Eye Irritation Test (Cruelty Free HET-CAM Test) completed
- [HOW TO DOUBLE CLEANSE] â‘ Apply the cleansing oil to dry skin and gently massage for 1-2 minutes. â‘¡ Emulsify with water to effectively remove sebum. â‘¢ Wash off all oil residues by using a water based cleanser.
- Hardcover Book
- Huh, Aaron (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 256 Pages - 12/20/2022 (Publication Date) - DK (Publisher)
Are you allowed to have 2 wives?
The concept of polygamy being a crime started in common law and is now illegal in every state. The Edmunds Anti-Polygamy Act of 1882 officially made polygamy illegal in the United States.
In traditional marriage, couples were monogamous and typically had a large number of children, ranging from three to nine. However, younger Soviet Koreans now tend to limit the number of children they have to one or two. Similar to Korean culture, family names are often said before given names, and some women opt to keep their maiden names even after getting married.
What states allow you to have more than one wife?
It is illegal for someone to be married to more than one person at the same time in any state. Those who try to obtain a second marriage license can be charged with bigamy. The terms bigamy and polygamy are sometimes misused or mixed up.
Do Korean wives take their husband’s last name?
In Korean naming convention, there are two components: a family name and a given name. Typically, a child inherits their father’s last name, similar to other cultures. However, it is not customary for Korean women to adopt their husband’s surname after getting married.
It is important to note that although polygamy is illegal in Korea, instances of extramarital affairs and infidelity still occur. These behaviors are not condoned by Korean society and can lead to serious consequences, including divorce and social ostracization. Additionally, the legal and cultural restrictions on polygamy reflect broader societal attitudes towards gender roles and family relationships.
In recent years, there have been calls to reform the legal framework surrounding marriage and family relationships in Korea. Some advocates argue that the current laws do not adequately protect the rights of women and other marginalized groups within the family unit. There have also been discussions around legalizing same-sex marriage, which would represent a significant departure from traditional Korean values around family and gender.
Despite these changes, it is likely that monogamous relationships will continue to be the norm in Korea for the foreseeable future. The strong cultural and religious values that underpin Korean society make it unlikely that polygamy will become widely accepted or legally permissible. However, as Korean society continues to evolve and adapt to new social norms and global trends, it is possible that attitudes towards marriage and family relationships may also shift in unexpected ways.
