Is bondage and BDSM considered a cultural norm where you live?

In your part of the world or culture, is SM/bondage seen as a legitimate sexual activity? Or do people just view it as a dirty perversion?

I live in Korea. We have had strict sexual morals for a long time here. So saying ‘I am an SMer’ feels… a bit much, almost like social suicide:( even if you don’t say that exactly, all your friends and lovers might leave. Because of this, it is really hard to find other SMers in Korea. I’ve heard our neighbor Japan is more welcoming to SM/bondage; I’m jealous.