Queer Links from the Week: Human rights, Korea, and mistreating AIDS patients

Not much in terms of news in English other than a Youtube video titled Because I'm Gay. However, I'll try to do a quick summary of the news stories I saw this week.

On January 6th, human rights expert Vitit Muntarbhorn visited Korea and held a forum on the Yogyakarta Principles, which stipulate the application of human rights law as it concerns sexual orientation and gender identity. He specifically brought up issues concerning the military and anti-discrimination laws.

Protests aiming for the resignation of board member of the Human Rights Commission Choi-i-u, who, as reported earlier, has a record of anti-gay rhetoric and behavior, continued last week. Particularly, human rights lawyer Lee Eun-gyeong accuses him of opposing the Seoul non-discrimination charter and worrying about divine rights (신권) over human rights (인권).  

Kim Do Young wrote an op-ed for the Gwangju Dream, writing about how even though it shouldn't matter if being gay is a choice or not, it has genetic determinants and being different should not result in discrimination or violence.

Sudong Yonsei Sanitorium is bringing charges against 60 Minutes Korea for an accusation that they were mistreating AIDS patients. (Remember the protests by the Coalition for Sexual Morality?) I'll try to follow these accusations of libel as they unfold.

In pop culture, Im Seong-han has gotten criticism up to the point of demands for resignation due to the lack of quality in Apgujeong Midnight Sun. Viewers have pointed out other poorly written scenes, including one in Princess Aurora where Natasha is able to pray away his homosexuality at a temple