Korea considers backdating new child benefits for all 2027 births The government is considering retroactive child-rearing benefits for babies born in early 2027, addressing a potential gap of up to 34.28 million won ($25,550) under the new subsidy system. 2026.10.14
Korea to grade regional governments on suicide prevention, offer financial incentives In an effort to reduce the country's suicide rate, still the highest among OECD nations, the government will publicly rank regional authorities and reward those that make the most progress. 2026.10.12
Abortion pill rollout sparks fierce clash over law, access and fetal rights Lawmakers debated insurance coverage, regional access and legal safeguards as the government prepares to introduce abortion pills next year. 2026.10.7
Adoption matches jump more than sevenfold after government clears backlog Matches between children and adoptive families rose more than sevenfold in six months after the government eased bottlenecks in the public adoption system. 2026.10.2
Long-delayed national medical school finds a home in Namwon The school is slated to open in 2029 and welcome its first cohort of students in 2030. After receiving their medical licenses, graduates will be legally required to serve for 15 years at public health institutions. 2026.10.1
Korea moves faster to separate abused children The government will prioritize removing children from alleged abusers after repeat reports while expanding disability-focused shelters and agency coordination. 2026.9.2
Gov't to identify 20,000 people at high risk of suicide in social welfare policy push Seoul is expanding efforts to support caregivers facing heavy burdens as well as those who are isolated a risk of self-harm. 2026.8.11
Telemedicine hits record 2.69 million consultations as December switchover nears Korea’s telemedicine consultations hit a record number as the service nears permanent status, with key rules on eligibility and prescriptions still unresolved. 2026.8.11
Health Ministry should put serious patients first (KOR) The ministry canceled a planned public forum after backlash grew over using strained health insurance funds for hair loss treatment instead of serious and rare diseases. 2026.6.30
Health Ministry should put serious patients first The ministry canceled a planned public forum after backlash grew over using strained health insurance funds for hair loss treatment instead of serious and rare diseases. 2026.6.29
