A transgender soldier in South Korea has been dismissed from service because of her sex reassignment surgery.
Sergeant Byun Hui-su joined the army as a man but after suffering gender dysphoria underwent a sex-change in November last year.
On Wednesday, the army concluded that the soldier's operation is violating regulations and is considered a reason for discharge.
It was the first time in South Korea that an active-duty member has faced a military panel to determine if they are fit to serve after a gender-change operation, reported TIME.
Shortly after the decision, Byun held a media conference pleading to military leaders to reconsider and to allow her to carry on serving as a female.
"Regardless of my sexual identity, I'd like to show everyone that I can become one of the great soldiers who protect this country," Byun said.
"Please give me that chance."
South Korea's military prohibits transgender people from joining the national service but has no specific laws on active-duty members who have the surgery.
