South Korea’s highest court has decided that same-sex couples in the country are entitled to receive the same health insurance benefits as heterosexual couples. This groundbreaking ruling has been praised by human rights organizations.
The Supreme Court stated that the denial of spousal insurance coverage for gay couples by the state health insurance agency amounts to discrimination and goes against the constitutional principle of equality.
This ruling is final and cannot be appealed.
Amnesty International released a statement saying, “Today’s ruling is a historic victory for equality and human rights in South Korea. The court’s decision marks a significant step towards eradicating systemic discrimination and promoting inclusivity.”
The legal battle began when a gay couple, So Seong-wook and Kim Yong-min, challenged the National Health Insurance Service after So’s dependent registration was revoked. The Seoul Administrative Court ruled in favor of the insurance agency in 2022, but the Seoul High Court overturned this decision in February 2023, citing discrimination.
While attitudes towards gender issues in South Korea have evolved, the country still lags behind other developed nations in recognizing same-sex marriages.
Amnesty International noted, “Although this ruling is a significant milestone, it highlights the prolonged legal battles that same-sex couples endure to secure basic rights that should be universally guaranteed.”
So and Kim expressed their joy at the court’s decision, with So stating, “I was so moved that I couldn’t hold back my tears when I heard the verdict.” He hopes that this ruling will pave the way for legal recognition of same-sex marriages in South Korea.
Kim added, “I am very happy because I feel that the court has acknowledged my love for So.”
