South Korea court supports same sex couple rights for the first time

A South Korean court has recognized the rights of a same-sex couple in the country for the first time.  

According to report, So Seong-wook sued the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) in 2021 after being denied coverage on his partner Kim Yongmin’s plan. 

But the Seoul High Court ruled in favour of the couple and found the government health insurer owed the coverage. 

The couple had a wedding ceremony in 2019, but same-sex marriage is not recognized in South Korea. 

Activists say the ruling is a leap forward for LGBT rights in the country – though the case will be challenged in the Supreme Court.