Byun Hui-su, 23, was the first-ever transgender soldier to serve in the South Korean military. She was discharged in January 2020.
Under South Korean law, trans soldiers are not allowed to join the military, although there are no guidelines for what to do if someone begins to transition while serving.
Talking to a press conference, last year Byun said: “It was an extremely difficult decision to let my base know of my identity, but once I did, I felt much better. “I thought I would finish serving in the army and then go through the transition surgery and then re-enter the army as a female soldier.
But my depression got too severe. “Apart from my gender identity, I want to show everyone that I can also be one of the great soldiers who protect