In January of this year a Korean army soldier BYUN HEE SOO was demobilized from the army for being transgender. BYUN HEE SOO spoke for the first time on camera to say that being a soldier was her dream:
Today, June 29th, the South Korean army had to decide on its reintegration or not.
BYUN HEE SOO underwent gender reassignment surgery in Thailand late last year while she was doing her military service.
Remember that all Korean men must perform military service of an average of two years. In a country still at war with North Korea, this service is something very important in Korean culture.
BYUN HEE SOO requested, through a petition filed with the army headquarters last February, her return to the army. BYUN HEE SOO wishes to continue military service as a woman.
In a very conservative society, evolving slowly on social issues, where homosexuality and in the broader sense transgender people have not yet found their proper place. It is a first which takes place and which makes a great noise.
“The petition session will be held later today and a panel of seven is scheduled to pass judgment today,” said an army officer.
NCOs are volunteers and the country has no rules prohibiting transgender people from entering the military. However, it is very likely that she will be eliminated during a physical examination, according to the officers.
BYUN HEE SOO, 22, will soon be fixed on the continuity or not of her military service, she has already planned not to stop there if her claim is not accepted.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: Yonhap
