South Korea mourns death of transgender soldier

Reuters Videos
3 年前

The death of South Korea's first transgender soldier, Byun Hui-su, triggered an outpouring of condolences on Thursday.

The 23-year-old staff sergeant was discharged from the military last year for undergoing gender reassignment surgery.

Byun was found dead by emergency officials at her home in the city of Cheongju, south of Seoul, on Wednesday.

The military originally said it wasn't in a position to comment, which drew sharp criticism on social media but on Thursday South Korea's Defence Ministry Deputy spokesman Moon Hong-Sik broke the silence:

"We express condolences for the unfortunate death of former Sergeant Byun Hui-su."

Byun went public and launched a landmark legal challenge against senior military officials last year over her dismissal.

She had expressed hope of continuing to serve in the military's female corps.

LGBT rights groups said her bravery in coming forward had inspired and empowered others.

The case triggered debate in South Korea's LBGT community over how transgender members of the military are treated in a country that requires all able-bodied men to serve for around two years.