SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s Supreme Court ruled Thursday that gay couples are entitled to the same health insurance benefits as heterosexual couples, a landmark ruling hailed by human rights groups.
The Supreme Court ruled that the state health insurance company’s refusal to offer partner insurance to homosexual couples was a discriminatory act that violated 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 an important step towards dismantling systemic discrimination and ensuring inclusivity for all.”
A legal battle erupted between a gay couple, So Seong-wook and Kim Yong Min, and the National Health Insurance Service after the insurance company revoked So’s registration as Kim’s dependent. So then filed an administrative lawsuit.
In 2022, the Seoul Administrative Court ruled in favor of the insurance agency. But in February 2023, the Seoul High Court overturned the previous verdict, saying that denying So’s partner coverage rights without reasonable grounds was discriminatory because such benefits are given to heterosexual spouses.
Public attitudes toward gender issues in South Korea have gradually changed in recent years, but critics say the Asian country still has a long way to go compared to other developed countries. South Korea does not legally recognize same-sex marriage.
