'Controversy Over Byeon Hee-su's Discharge Before Gender Transition, Defense Team Open Recruitment... "Let's Make History with a Proper Precedent"'

"Conscientious Legal Professionals Opposing Discrimination and Hate Are Urged to Join"

After recently undergoing gender reassignment surgery, Sergeant Byeon Hee-su, who was forcibly discharged, is expressing her stance on the military's forced discharge measures at a press conference held on the afternoon of the 22nd of last month at the Military Human Rights Center in Mapo-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] The legal team representing Sergeant Byeon Hee-soo (22), an Army non-commissioned officer who was forcibly discharged after undergoing gender reassignment surgery during military service, has announced an open recruitment for lawyers.

On the 4th, the Military Human Rights Center stated, "We are publicly recruiting a legal team to jointly carry out a lawsuit to cancel the forced discharge by the 14th."

They added, "This case is a historic event that will determine whether transgender and other sexual minorities can serve as soldiers in the future," and emphasized, "Providing appropriate legal support to establish a proper precedent is of utmost importance."

The Military Human Rights Center also requested, "We ask for the participation of many conscientious legal professionals who oppose discrimination and hatred."

Previously, Sergeant Byeon was diagnosed with a mental and physical disability and designated for discharge due to undergoing gender reassignment surgery during military service.

On the 22nd of last month, the Army held a discharge review committee and decided on Sergeant Byeon's discharge, stating, "According to the standards set forth in the Military Personnel Act and related laws, this constitutes a reason for inability to continue service."

Afterwards, Sergeant Byeon held a press conference at the Military Human Rights Center's education hall and declared, "I will fight until the day I return to the Army," signaling legal action.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.