South Korean court recognises queer couple's equality to medical insurance

The Supreme Court of South Korea made a historic decision recognising the equal rights of queer spouses to medical insurance for their partners.

Now same-sex partners who are actually married can claim spousal benefits under compulsory health insurance and be recognised as dependents of their partners. This is the first decision recognising the legal status of same-sex couples in South Korea, The Korea Times reports.

The court confirmed the verdict of the Seoul City Court, which ruled in favour of partners Seo Sung Wook and Kim Young Min in early 2023. They appealed a lower court decision that denied them medical benefits without recognising them as de facto spouses.

“This is an act of discrimination which violates human dignity, the right to happiness, freedom of private life and the right to equality before the law, and the degree of violation is serious,” the Supreme Court said.

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