Regulatorische Updates

Busan will provide a maximum of 320,000 KRW per pharmacy that remains open on Chuseok day, while Seoul and Jeju have no such grant this year.

The Korean Pharmacists Association marked the 355th consecutive day of a relay rally in front of the Blue House, urging the government to address licensing issues affecting herbal medicine pharmacists.

Lawmakers begin a series of government‑question sessions, with pharmacist concerns under watch as the agenda runs through Aug 14.

The National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee will consider 15 pharmacy law amendment bills, such as the external‑capital prohibition and drug sales‑record regulations, at its first full meeting on the 11th.

Korea's Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service released a list of 14,013 drugs for price‑ceiling re‑evaluation, excluding 1,576 items, leaving 12,437 for review.

Lawmakers propose amendments to the Health Care Personnel Support Act, Medical Service Act, and Nursing Act to strengthen protection against workplace bullying in medical institutions.

The health ministry says expansion of safe OTC items in convenience stores could be postponed if illegal or improper sales practices are not corrected.

South Korea’s Food and Drug Safety Administration held a ceremony on Sep 7 to celebrate ‘Cosmetics Day’, highlighting K‑beauty achievements and promoting safety and global competitiveness.

President Lee Jae‑myung indicated that abortion medication could be prescribed and dispensed in‑hospital for two years, then shift to hospital prescription with external pharmacy dispensing.

Jo Won‑jun raises concerns over proposals to amend a law on non‑face‑to‑face prescription drug delivery, citing lack of implementation and safety issues.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare allocated 13.4 billion KRW for drug addiction treatment in the 2027 budget, a 38% rise from the previous year.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare says drug delivery should be expanded step‑by‑step and remote medication counseling needs fee incentives, amid strong opposition from the Korean Pharmaceutical Association and consumer groups.