South Korea

South Korea has made notable strides in LGBTIQ people’s human rights, although challenges remain. In 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that transgender individuals have the right to legal gender recognition even if they have underage children, overturning previous restrictions and marking a significant step forward for transgender people’s rights​. Trans people do, however, have to undergo sterilization to qualify for legal gender recognition. Additionally, in July 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex partners are entitled to National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) spousal benefits, representing the first judicial recognition of social benefits for same-sex couples in South Korea​. In October 2024, eleven same-sex couples filed a lawsuit against Seoul district offices after their marriage registrations were rejected. These couples argued that the government is denying them equal rights by not recognizing their marriages. 

Article 92-6 of the Military Criminal Act criminalizes “anal intercourse” and “any other indecent act” between military personnel, punishable by up to two years in prison. The constitutional court upheld this law in 2023, effectively relegating LGBTQ people to second-class citizenship​. Conservative lawmakers and anti-LGBTIQ Christian groups have also actively blocked proposed anti-discrimination laws covering sexual orientation and gender identity, creating obstacles for LGBTIQ organizations in their advocacy and operations​.

In recent years, Seoul’s Pride parade has been facing pressure from city authorities, complicating venue approvals. Nonetheless, record-breaking attendance has demonstrated growing support from younger generations. LGBTIQ advocates continue to press forward, striving for a more inclusive South Korea despite these ongoing challenges​.

*Outright research indicates that the bodily autonomy of intersex people is not respected and protected in this country.