S. Korea Supreme Court recognises rights of same-sex couple in landmark ruling

South Korea's Supreme Court recognised new rights for same-sex couples Thursday, saying the state must provide health insurance for a gay man's partner in a landmark ruling that left activists in the courtroom weeping for joy.

"National Health Insurance should recognise spousal insurance coverage for same-sex couples," the court ruled. The verdict means that common law spouses of the same sex can now register as dependents on their partners' health insurance.