"Waves of Condolence for Late Corporal Byeon Hee-su: 'I Will Continue to Live as Queer'"

In August last year, former Army Sergeant Byeon Hee-soo is having a conversation regarding questions from the press during a press conference for filing an administrative lawsuit to cancel the discharge. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Following the news of the death of former Corporal Byeon Hee-soo, who was forcibly discharged from the military after undergoing gender reassignment surgery, condolences have been pouring in from civic groups and various sectors. Recently, tragic news has continued with the death of transgender rights activist the late Kim Ki-hong, who took his own life, sparking increased criticism and calls for self-reflection regarding the societal atmosphere of discrimination and hatred against sexual minorities.

The Rainbow Action Against Sexual Minority Discrimination expressed condolences on Facebook on the 4th, stating, "We mourn the life of the late Corporal Byeon Hee-soo, who courageously revealed herself as a soldier and as a transgender person, and whose life resonated with society."

They continued, "Everyone was comforted, empathized, and empowered by the late corporal’s brave self-revelation," and "As beings who deserve dignity, equality, and rightful rights, we will now carry on the late corporal’s movement."

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) released a statement on the 4th, saying, "We have received obituaries for three transgender individuals in the past month. Their deaths could have been prevented," emphasizing, "Former Corporal Byeon’s only wish was to live as a transgender soldier. This is not something special but a rightful entitlement so obvious that even the National Human Rights Commission and the United Nations (UN) have urged it."

They added, "In a world without an anti-discrimination law even after 15 years, sexual minorities have had no proper laws or systems to protect themselves from hatred and discrimination," and raised their voices, "We will remember the great courage of transgender people who created ruptures in a world filled with hatred and discrimination with their whole bodies."

The Trans Liberation Front also issued a commentary on the 3rd, stating, "We are sorry. And we are grateful. Countless transgender queer individuals gained strength and comfort by witnessing Corporal Byeon Hee-soo’s courageous choice, and we were able to share the fact that we exist everywhere, right here, right now," and declared, "Therefore, we will continue to live as transgender queer people."

On the 4th, news of the death of former Sergeant Byeon Hee-soo, who was forcibly discharged after gender reassignment surgery, was reported. A memorial space for former Sergeant Byeon has been set up in front of the Justice Party representative office at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Voices mourning former Corporal Byeon also continued in the political sphere.

Cho Hye-min, spokesperson for the Justice Party, expressed condolences during a briefing at the National Assembly Communication Office on the same day, saying, "Former Corporal Byeon Hee-soo, a transgender soldier, has left us. She showed courage and wanted to live as a soldier protecting this country."

She continued, "However, the Army decided on forced discharge, citing 'lawful administrative measures.' The political sphere, which should lead social change, was busy making hateful remarks one after another, repeatedly saying 'later,'" raising criticism toward the government and the ruling party.

Spokesperson Cho said, "It is heartbreaking that for sexual minorities, survival itself is the entirety of struggle and resistance," and emphasized, "Reflecting on the late corporal’s words, we intend to bear the heavy role and responsibility of the Justice Party. We will take the lead in creating a society where everyone’s dreams are fully respected."

Rep. Kwon In-sook of the Democratic Party of Korea, who co-proposed the anti-discrimination law with the Justice Party, wrote on Facebook, "Tears are pouring out uncontrollably, and words fail me," adding, "Though I have never met her, I feel truly sorry and apologetic."

She continued, "The stalled Equality Act and Anti-Discrimination Act are also shameful. They have been held back for over a decade due to opposition from some religious groups, doing nothing," and said, "We need to wake up. At the very least, we should try to prevent such painful deaths. The National Assembly should be truly ashamed."

Former Corporal Byeon was found dead at around 5:49 p.m. on the 3rd at her home in Geumcheon-dong, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk. At the time, the 119 emergency medical team reportedly responded to a report from the health center stating, "We cannot reach former Corporal Byeon."

When the 119 emergency team entered the residence, former Corporal Byeon was already deceased. The fire authorities estimate, based on the state of decomposition, that she had passed away several days prior.