Historic South Korean Ruling on Same-Sex Couples’ Health Benefits

In a landmark ruling, South Korea's Supreme Court has declared that same-sex couples are entitled to the same health insurance benefits as heterosexual couples. This decision marks significant progress in the fight for equality and human rights, reflecting changing attitudes towards gender issues in the country.

South Korea's top court ruled Thursday that same-sex couples are eligible to receive the same health insurance benefits as heterosexual couples. This landmark verdict is being hailed by human rights groups as a significant step forward.

The Supreme Court cited the state health insurance agency's refusal to provide spousal insurance coverage for gay couples as discriminatory, violating the constitutional principle of equality. Thursday's ruling is final and cannot be appealed.

"Today's ruling is a historic victory for equality and human rights in South Korea," Amnesty International said in a statement. "The court has taken a significant step towards dismantling systemic discrimination and ensuring inclusivity for all." The verdict stemmed from a legal battle between a gay couple, So Seong-wook and Kim Yong Min, and the National Health Insurance Service. The agency had initially revoked So's registration as Kim's dependent, leading So to file an administrative suit.

In 2022, the Seoul Administrative Court sided with the insurance agency. However, in February 2023, the Seoul High Court overturned that decision, ruling the denial of spousal coverage without reasonable grounds as discriminatory since such benefits are granted to heterosexual spouses.

Though public views on gender issues in South Korea have gradually shifted in recent years, critics argue that the country still has a long way to go compared to other developed nations. South Korea does not legally recognize same-sex marriages.

(With inputs from agencies.)