Latest by
-
South Korea to Allow Prescription of Mifepristone for Early Abortions The South Korean government plans to officially allow the prescription and dispensing of mifepristone, a medication for medical abortions, for women within nine weeks of pregnancy starting as early as the first quarter of next year. For the first two years, prescriptions will be limited to direct orders from physicians and in-hospital dispensing to ensure patient safety. This decision comes seven years after the Constitutional Court ruled that the abortion law was unconstitutional.Mifepristone is a combination therapy that blocks progesterone and induces uterine contractions with misoprostol. The World Health Organization designated it as an essential medicine in 2005. Since France first approved it in 1988, over 90 countries have legalized its use. Japan also formally approved the use of oral medications for women within nine weeks of pregnancy in 2023.Since the Constitutional Court's decision, legislative efforts have stalled, leaving a gap in the law. Although the penal provisions have lost their effect, the absence of approved medications has forced women to rely on unregulated online markets or overseas purchases, risking their health and lives. The expedited review and approval of this medication marks a turning point by curbing dangerous underground distribution and bringing women's health rights under public health protections.However, social tensions remain high. Women's groups welcome the decision but argue that the nine-week limit and in-hospital dispensing significantly restrict access, calling for health insurance coverage and the right to self-administer the medication. The medical community emphasizes the need for ultrasound diagnostics and direct physician oversight to address complications like incomplete abortions or excessive bleeding, urging for legal liability relief and safety guidelines. Religious groups express concerns about potential drug misuse and violations of fetal rights.Before the medication is available on the market, institutional improvements are necessary. Most importantly, addressing 'economic barriers' is crucial. If the medication is introduced as a non-reimbursable item, vulnerable women may again turn to underground transactions due to high costs. Efforts to include it in health insurance coverage and transparent pricing must be prioritized. The requirements for parental consent when prescribing to minors should also be carefully considered. A counseling system that provides medical and emotional support must be established to avoid leaving vulnerable youth in a support gap.Abortion is not merely a matter of debate or a political tool. It falls within the realm of a national health and welfare system that guarantees women's bodily autonomy, reproductive health, and quality of life. Hospital dispensing within nine weeks is a practical compromise to fill the seven-year gap and represents a first step forward. The government and the National Assembly must listen to the rational voices of the medical and women's communities to establish standard clinical guidelines and complete subsequent legislation. Beyond the decision to 'legalize,' it is the state's responsibility to create a universal healthcare infrastructure that allows all women to receive safe treatment without exclusion or risk. 2026-09-17 14:28:00 -
Mayors of Yeosu, Suncheon, and Gwangyang Urge Swift Review for National Medical School Mayors of Yeosu, Suncheon, and Gwangyang urged the government on September 17 to expedite the follow-up review for Suncheon University, which has been selected as a candidate site for a national medical school.Yeosu Mayor Seo Young-hak, Suncheon Mayor Son Hoon-mo, and Gwangyang Mayor Park Sung-hyun convened the first extraordinary meeting of the Yeosu, Suncheon, and Gwangyang Administrative Council in Nam-gu, Gwangju, to adopt a joint statement.Prior to a meeting of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Mayors, County Heads, and District Heads Council held at the same location, they decided to deliver the joint statement to relevant government departments, the National Assembly, and the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City.In the statement, they expressed gratitude for the fair and objective review process that led to Suncheon University being recommended as a candidate for the national medical school. They emphasized the need to respect the selection results and urged the community to unite to ensure the prompt establishment of the medical school and university hospital.They also called on the government to conduct the review for the establishment of the medical school at Suncheon University fairly and swiftly.The mayors requested that the Gwangju Special City support the seamless implementation of follow-up procedures for the establishment of the medical school and university hospital in close cooperation with Suncheon University and relevant agencies.They specifically demanded the establishment of a government-wide promotion system to ensure the timely opening of the medical school and university hospital, along with concrete administrative and financial support.They stressed that the government must take responsibility for not only recommending candidate universities but also securing sites, constructing facilities, and providing personnel and resources until the actual opening of the school and hospital.The three cities also addressed the site controversy raised by Mokpo and the western region regarding the medical school and university hospital.They noted that the selection of candidate universities was based on the same evaluation criteria and procedures applied to both Mokpo University and Suncheon University, considering the specifics and feasibility of plans regarding the location, scale, site acquisition, and potential utilization timing of educational facilities and university hospitals.The mayors emphasized that since the feasibility of site acquisition plans was included as an evaluation criterion, the overall fairness and validity of the review results should not be undermined by a single specific requirement.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:24:00
-
Trot Singer Suk-hyung Loses Adultery Lawsuit Trot singer Suk-hyung (47, real name Han Suk-hyung) has lost a lawsuit regarding damages filed by the wife of a married man with whom she was allegedly involved after a video of them kissing in an elevator surfaced.On September 17, the Seongnam branch of the Suwon District Court ruled partially in favor of the plaintiff, identified as A, in her lawsuit against Suk-hyung for damages related to the alleged affair.The controversy began on December 29, 2025, when JTBC's 'Incident Report' aired a video in which A claimed her husband was cohabiting with Suk-hyung. The footage showed a woman, believed to be Suk-hyung, engaging in physical affection with a man inside an elevator.In response, Suk-hyung stated, "I believed that the marital relationship was effectively over and that only legal formalities remained, so I began dating. I consider myself a victim as well." She added, "I was told that the division of assets and settlement of damages were all finalized. I have lost everything too."However, the controversy intensified, and Suk-hyung later revealed that she ended the relationship after learning that the divorce had not been agreed upon. Ultimately, she stepped down from her role on MBN's 'Current King 3.'Meanwhile, Suk-hyung is scheduled to perform on September 30 at the Arte Seoul Muse Hall in Mokdong, titled 'A Special Time with Fans, Singing Again,' marking her return to the stage after nine months.Regarding the upcoming performance, Suk-hyung expressed, "I will greet everyone through song rather than words. I will return to the stage with the same heart I had when I first started singing."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:20:00
-
Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix See Gains Amid U.S. Tech Stock Recovery Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are both showing strong performance. Following a rebound in U.S. tech stocks, particularly in the semiconductor sector, buying interest has continued in South Korea's major semiconductor firms.As of 2:10 PM on September 17, Samsung Electronics was trading at 255,000 won, up 1,500 won (0.59%) from the previous trading day.Samsung started the day at 257,000 won, a 1.38% increase, and briefly rose to 259,000 won, marking a 2.17% gain. Although it later retraced some of its gains, the stock has maintained its upward trend into the afternoon.At the same time, SK Hynix was trading at 1,763,000 won, up 4,000 won (0.23%) from the previous day. SK Hynix also opened higher, reaching 1,785,000 won during the day, reflecting a 1.48% increase before reducing its gains.In the U.S. market, stocks closed lower due to the Federal Reserve's interest rate hike and hawkish comments from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 1.21%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite dropped by 0.45% and 0.01%, respectively.However, late in the session, buying interest in tech stocks, particularly semiconductors, helped recover much of the losses. This trend is believed to have influenced investor sentiment towards South Korea's major semiconductor stocks.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:20:00
-
Gwangju Mayor Park Kwan-yeol Promises Ongoing Safety Inspections and Awareness Campaigns Gwangju Mayor Park Kwan-yeol expressed his commitment on September 17 to continue on-site safety inspections and awareness campaigns to ensure that merchants and citizens are engaged in fire prevention as the Chuseok holiday approaches.On this day, Mayor Park conducted a fire prevention safety campaign at Gyeongan Traditional Market in collaboration with relevant agencies, where they also carried out joint inspections of fire hazards and safety facilities within the market.Prior to the Chuseok holiday, Mayor Park visited the traditional market to assess fire prevention measures and the overall safety management of the area.He reiterated that 'citizen safety is the top priority.'This campaign was organized in anticipation of increased foot traffic at traditional markets during Chuseok, taking into account the high usage of electrical and gas facilities, to proactively check for fire hazards and raise safety awareness among merchants and citizens.During his visit, Mayor Park informed merchants and market visitors about the importance of fire prevention and reviewed the safety management situation.The campaign included practical fire prevention guidelines, such as shutting off electrical and gas facilities after business hours, unplugging unused electrical devices, checking the location and usage of fire extinguishers, and removing any obstructions around fire safety equipment.Following this, a joint safety inspection involving experts from various fields focused on verifying the safety of facilities and management practices at Gyeongan Traditional Market.The inspection team was divided into groups specializing in construction, electrical, gas, fire safety, and food hygiene, assessing the safety status of structures, the management of electrical systems and circuit breakers, gas explosion and fire prevention measures, and the condition of fire extinguishers and evacuation facilities.Particularly, any identified hazards during the inspection were addressed immediately on-site or communicated to relevant parties for prompt improvement, emphasizing the prevention of potential accidents.Citizens visiting the traditional market responded positively to the simultaneous fire prevention and safety inspections ahead of Chuseok.One citizen remarked, 'With many people visiting the market during the holidays, safety is paramount. It’s reassuring to have the facilities checked and to be informed of prevention measures in advance.'Mayor Park Kwan-yeol emphasized, 'We will do our utmost to ensure that citizens can enjoy a comfortable and safe holiday.'Meanwhile, Mayor Park continues to conduct safety inspections and assessments of local businesses and markets in preparation for the Chuseok holiday, aiming to promote a safe holiday experience for citizens and invigorate the local economy.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:16:20
-
Reform Party's Lee Gi-in Excludes Proportional Representation Nominations Lee Gi-in, the head of the Reform Party's emergency committee, announced that the party will exclude proportional representation nominations from its leadership in the upcoming general election. He also urged Cheon Hwa-ram, the party's floor leader, and Lee Joo-young, a lawmaker, to run in the Gyeonggi Southern region as a strategic base for the party. Lee made this announcement on September 17 during a press conference at the National Assembly. The key point of his reform plan is to limit proportional representation nominations for past leadership, key party officials, and candidates from the last election. As a result, those who held leadership positions or were nominated as proportional candidates in the last election must run in district elections to receive nominations from the Reform Party in the next election. "I will lead by example. I will not run as a proportional candidate for the Reform Party," Lee stated, adding that he intends to run in a district election to earn the public's support under the party's name. Regarding the party's election strategy, which reportedly faced internal disagreements, Lee proposed a 'Gyeonggi Southern strategic base' similar to the plan of former leader Lee Jun-seok. To implement this, he plans to establish a 'Gyeonggi Southern Special Committee' focusing on cities such as Hwaseong, Suwon, Yongin, Seongnam, Pyeongtaek, and Osan. While presenting this strategic plan, Lee publicly called on Cheon and Lee to run in the Gyeonggi Southern region. He also indicated that he would reject Cheon's application for the Suncheon organizational committee chair position. If the two lawmakers do not accept his request, he hinted at the possibility of exercising his authority as the emergency committee chair. Lee plans to announce further specific measures after completing the committee's formation. These announcements were made without prior discussions with former leader Lee Jun-seok or Cheon Hwa-ram. Lee emphasized, "Consulting or reporting to the former leader would only repeat the same mistakes," and expressed confidence that Cheon would agree with the direction of the reforms. Meanwhile, there has been some backlash within the Reform Party regarding the appropriateness of Lee's appointment and the reform leadership. Former Secretary General Kim Cheol-keun criticized Cheon for the appointment of the emergency committee chair without discussion with the former leader. Concerns have also been raised about whether it is appropriate for the leadership to lead reforms ahead of the June 3 local elections.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:16:10
-
SK Biopharm Shares Rise 2% Following Parkinson's Drug Licensing Agreement SK Biopharm's shares rose by 2.05% to 79,800 won following news of its acquisition of a Parkinson's disease drug candidate for further development. According to the Korea Exchange, the stock price increased by 1,600 won on the day of the announcement. The rise in share price is attributed to the licensing agreement for the Parkinson's drug candidate announced that day. SK Biopharm disclosed that it has signed a licensing agreement with domestic biotech firm First Bio Therapeutics for the global exclusive rights to a dual inhibitor, c-Abl/LRRK2, currently under development as a treatment for Parkinson's disease. This agreement is a 'license in' contract, meaning SK Biopharm is purchasing the rights to the drug candidate from First Bio Therapeutics, rather than a technology transfer agreement where SK Biopharm would receive payment for technology. The contract is valued at up to 430.758 billion won. However, SK Biopharm will not pay the entire amount upfront. Initially, within 30 business days from the contract signing date, SK Biopharm will pay a non-refundable deposit of 2.5 billion won to First Bio Therapeutics. Subsequently, if both companies meet agreed-upon conditions during the research, development, and commercialization phases, SK Biopharm will make additional payments of up to 72.5 billion won. After the product launch, if certain net sales targets are achieved, SK Biopharm will pay milestone fees of up to 355.758 billion won (approximately $260 million). Additionally, once product sales commence, SK Biopharm will pay ongoing royalties based on net sales. Thus, of the maximum contract value of 430.758 billion won, the only confirmed payment at this time is the deposit of 2.5 billion won. The remaining 428.258 billion won will depend on future research, development, commercialization, and sales target achievements. * This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:16:00
-
Hyundai Motor Group Targets Smart City Development in Kazakhstan Hyundai Motor Group is seeking opportunities in smart city projects in Kazakhstan. On September 16, Hyundai Motor Group signed an agreement with Kazakhstan's private investment firm 'Caspian Group' and financial and investment company 'United Group Alatau' to advance the Alatau City Project. The Alatau City Project is the largest new city development in Kazakhstan, covering 880 square kilometers north of Almaty, the country's largest city. Caspian Group will lead urban development and local execution, while United Group Alatau will integrate financial and digital ecosystems. Through this agreement, Hyundai aims to establish Kazakhstan as a hub for physical AI-based future city projects in Central Asia, collaborating with local companies to explore and validate the feasibility of smart city initiatives in Alatau City. Hyundai will prioritize business opportunities related to urban development and operations in the key area of Alatau City, which connects to Almaty. Additionally, the company will comprehensively review collaboration possibilities in mobility, energy, and digital sectors, gradually specifying the scope of projects and participation methods through feasibility studies. A Hyundai representative stated, "Kazakhstan is an important market where we have built a business foundation over many years. Through this collaboration, we aim to discover new business opportunities based on actual customer and urban demand. We will strive to ensure that Alatau City becomes a model for demonstrating future urban services and new mobility business models after thorough business viability assessments." Meanwhile, Hyundai has a local production base in Almaty capable of producing 50,000 vehicles annually.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-09-17 14:16:00
-
KDRT's Second Team Concludes Operations in Nepal; Joint Response Team Continues Work The second team of the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT), dispatched to assist in Nepal following severe flooding, concluded its operations today. Meanwhile, the government joint response team will remain on-site to continue its work.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the KDRT's second team is scheduled to return home as planned after a seven-day mission involving eight members.The ministry added, "The government joint response team will stay in Nepal to closely cooperate with local authorities and continue supporting necessary tasks, including family assistance from the Korean Embassy in Nepal."It was noted that the joint response team consists of eight members, including three from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, two from the National Fire Agency, and three from the National Police Agency. The ministry emphasized that additional personnel could be dispatched if needed.Furthermore, it was explained that two firefighters from the KDRT's second team will remain as part of the joint response team and will work alongside the newly dispatched team leader, Kang Yong-gu, from the Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles, to locate missing Korean nationals.Additionally, personnel from the National Police Agency will continue to work with local staff at Nepal's Central Forensic Science Laboratory, where the Korean government has provided four rapid DNA analysis machines, to assist in identifying deceased individuals.Currently, nine South Koreans are still reported missing. 2026-09-17 14:16:00
-
Seoul City Council Chair Im Man-kyun Inspects Swimming Pool Facilities at Cheongun Elementary School Fourteen aging school swimming pools in Seoul will undergo renovations in phases. Additionally, the fee reduction for female youth using public swimming pools is set to expand. According to the Seoul City Council on September 17, Im Man-kyun, the chair of the council, visited the swimming pool facilities at Cheongun Elementary School in Jongno District on September 16 to assess the condition and safety management of the facilities. He was accompanied by Yoon Sun-hee, a Seoul City Council member. After receiving a report on the renovation plans, Im inspected user convenience facilities such as changing rooms and showers, as well as the safety management of the facilities. The Cheongun Elementary School swimming pool, located on the basement level, has been operating with six lanes. After more than 20 years since its completion, the need for renovations due to facility aging has been raised. The pool has been closed since July for renovations, which are expected to be completed in the second half of next year. Currently, there are a total of 48 school swimming pools under the jurisdiction of the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education. Among these, 14, including Cheongun Elementary, are set to undergo renovations to improve aging facilities. Im Man-kyun stated, "With the mandatory swimming education, school swimming pools have become important educational and sports facilities that support the healthy growth and safety of students. We will gradually improve aging facilities to ensure that students and local residents can conveniently access swimming pools nearby." The Seoul City Council is also expanding the 10% fee reduction for female youth using public swimming pools. Reflecting the reality that the growth and onset of secondary sexual characteristics in adolescents have been occurring earlier, the council is proposing to lower the minimum age for fee reductions from the current 13 to 9 years. The amendments will affect four ordinances, including the 'Ordinance on the Installation and Operation of Seoul City Sports Facilities,' the 'Ordinance on the Management and Operation of Seoul City Community Plazas,' the 'Ordinance on the Use and Operation of Sports Facilities under the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education,' and the 'Ordinance on the Opening and Use of Public School Facilities by the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education.' Yoon Sun-hee remarked, "Since the Youth Basic Law defines youth as starting at age 9, it is necessary to adjust related ordinances accordingly. We will improve the system to ensure that female youth can grow healthier through swimming." Im emphasized, "We will listen to the voices from the education office and school sites to improve necessary systems in line with reality. Public sports facilities, including schools, are not only for students but also serve as community sports hubs, so we will carefully monitor facility renovations, safety enhancements, and the expansion of sports welfare." 2026-09-17 14:12:10