Top Court Hands South Korean Gay Couple Win on Spouse Status

  • Decision gives a legal right within the medical system
  • About 41% of South Koreans support same-sex unions, poll says
Plaintiffs So Seong-wook and Kim Yong-min in 2021.

Photographer: Jung Yeon-je/AFP/Getty Images

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South Korea’s top court ruled in favor of a gay couple seeking spousal coverage for national health insurance benefits, in a landmark decision that might pave the way for recognizing same-sex marriage in the country.

In its ruling Thursday, the Supreme Court acknowledged same-sex couples as eligible dependents to be covered by the public health insurer.