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.
