A South Korean court has for the first time recognised the rights of a same-sex couple in the country.

In a landmark ruling, the Seoul High Court found a government health insurer did owe coverage to the spouse of a customer after the firm withdrew it when it found out the pair were gay.

The men had held a wedding ceremony in 2019, but same-sex marriage is not recognised in South Korea.

Activists say the ruling is a leap forward for LGBT rights in the country.

However, the case will be challenged in the Supreme Court.

The plaintiff, So Seong-wook said he welcomed the ruling and "recognition of a very obvious right that has not been given".

 

In 2021, he sued the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) after being denied coverage on his partner Kim Yongmin's plan.

The couple had been granted coverage at first, but this was then revoked as the NHIS said they had made a mistake in granting it to the same-sex couple.

• WATCH: BBC Korean speaks to couple at heart of rights battle

Celebrating the ruling, Mr So praised the court for seeing "the principle of equality as an important issue".

It's an encouraging first step towards justice.