The lack of protection for same-sex couples can have serious consequences in a country where discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in employment, housing, and other domains is widespread. In its ruling last week, the court declined to recognize the couple as common law spouses, citing the lack of legislative recognition of same-sex partnerships in South Korea.
The couple sued to have the benefits restored. When the story became public months later, the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) swiftly reversed course and revoked his partner’s dependent status. Participants march with a rainbow flag during a Pride parade in Seoul, South Korea, July 15, 2017.Ī court in Seoul, South Korea has rejected a same-sex couple’s bid for spousal health insurance benefits, underscoring the lack of legal protections for same-sex couples in the country.Īlthough South Korea does not recognize same-sex partnerships, one of the men successfully registered the other as his spouse in February 2020, allowing him access to his employer’s health insurance plan.
