Transgender Army Sergeant Decides to "Stay in the Military" Despite Discharge Decision

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] The Army has discharged a non-commissioned officer who enlisted as male and underwent gender reassignment surgery, but the NCO has expressed a desire to continue serving in the military.

At a press conference held by the Military Human Rights Center on the afternoon of the 22nd, Sergeant Byeon Hee-soo (22) of the Army stated, "Since childhood, my dream was to become a soldier who protects this country and its people," adding, "I have continuously suppressed my confused feelings about my gender identity and endured the difficult dormitory life and various processes with male comrades, with the intention of sacrificing for the nation."

Sergeant Byeon, appearing before the media for the first time that day, wore a combat uniform, saluted, introduced his unit and name, and read a prepared statement.

He said, "However, my depression symptoms caused by 'gender dysphoria' worsened, and I ultimately decided to acknowledge my suppressed feelings and undergo the gender correction process," revealing, "It was a difficult decision to disclose my identity to my unit, but once I did, I felt relieved."

Sergeant Byeon acknowledged, "I understand that the military is not yet prepared to accept transgender soldiers," but emphasized, "However, the military is continuously progressing toward respecting human rights."

He continued, "I hope that all LGBTQ+ soldiers can perform their duties and missions in an environment free from discrimination," adding, "I want to remain as a great precedent and contribute to this change."

Byeon, who enlisted as male and served in a unit in northern Gyeonggi Province, underwent gender reassignment surgery overseas during leave last year and returned to his unit. After returning, he underwent a mandatory physical examination at a military hospital regarding his physical changes, and the hospital issued a 'Grade 3 mental and physical disability' diagnosis.

Regarding this, the civic group Military Human Rights Center claimed that the military judged the loss of genitalia as a mental and physical disability and rejected a request to postpone the discharge review date until after the court's gender correction decision. The Center filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission, arguing that the military's rejection was a human rights violation.

The Human Rights Commission recommended the Army Chief of Staff postpone the discharge review committee meeting for Byeon, who underwent gender reassignment surgery during military service, but the Army held the discharge review committee as scheduled that day and decided on Byeon's discharge.