Byun Hui-su
Byun Hee-soo | |
|---|---|
| 변희수 | |
 Hee-so in 2021 | |
| Born | 11 June 1998 Cheongju, South Korea |
| Died | between February 28 and March 3, 2021 (aged 22) Cheongju, South Korea |
| Burial place | Cheongju, South Korea |
| Nationality | South Korean |
| Occupation(s) | Soldier, activist |
| Years active | 2016–2021[1] |
Byun Hee-soo (June 11, 1998 – between February 28 and March 3, 2021) was the first known transgender soldier in South Korea.[2][3]
She had risen to the rank of
Speaking about her decision to undergo surgery, she stated, "I thought I would finish serving in the army and then go through the transition surgery and then reenter the army as a female soldier. But my depression got too severe. I want to show everyone that I can also be one of the great soldiers who protect this country."[5]
In March 2021, she was found dead in her home. Workers from Sangdanggu National Mental Health Center (where Byun received treatment) called for someone to check up on her as they hadn't been able to reach her since February 28. The fire department arrived at Ms Byun's house on March 3, and found her body at 5:49 pm KST. Her body had already started to decompose.[6][7]
In October 2021, South Korean court ruled that the military discharge was unlawful and cancelled the discharge.[1] In April 2024, a state review committee decided to acknowledge that Byun died as a soldier on the line of duty, and it also paved way to the possibility of Byun’s burial in a national cemetery.[8]
See also
- LGBT history in South Korea
- LGBT rights in South Korea
- Sexual orientation and gender identity in the South Korean military
- Transgender personnel in the South Korean military
References
- ^ a b "S Korean court: Discharge of late transgender soldier unjust". Associated Press. 7 October 2021.
- ^ "South Korea's first known transgender soldier found dead – Pacific – Stripes". Stars and Stripes. 3 March 2021. Archived from the original on 3 March 2021. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
- ^ Victoria Kim (22 January 2020). "South Korea orders dismissal of transgender soldier". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
- ^ Sangmi Cha, Hyonhee Shin (20 January 2020). "'I will continue to fight': South Korea's first transgender soldier vows to oppose dismissal". Reuters. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
- ^ a b "'I will continue to fight': South Korea's first transgender soldier vows to oppose dismissal". The Japan Times. 22 January 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
- ^ The Associated Press (3 March 2021). "South Korea's first known transgender soldier found dead". ABC News. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
- ^ Muri Assunção (3 March 2021). "South Korea's first trans soldier found dead at 23". New York Daily News. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
- ^ "Panel recognizes late transgender soldier as dying on-duty death". The Korea Times. 3 March 2021.