Korean Pharmacists' 345-Day Protest Calls for Han-Yak-Sa Reform

The Korean Pharmacists Association (대한약사회) has kept its relay demonstration in front of the Blue House alive for the 345th consecutive day, demanding improvements to the han‑yak‑sa (traditional Korean medicine pharmacist) system. The rally held on the 28th was attended by Son Gwi‑ok, vice‑president of the Gyeongsangbuk‑do Pharmacists Association, Jang Eun‑suk, vice‑president of the Korean Pharmacists Association, and Secretary‑General Yoo Sung‑ho, who called for resolution of han‑yak‑sa issues and normalization of the licensing framework. The protest began in September last year in Yongsan, moved through the National Assembly, returned to Yongsan, and now stands at the Blue House, with participation from pharmacist societies across the country. Participants noted that more than three decades after the han‑yak‑sa system was introduced, fundamental problems concerning the scope of the license and its operation remain unresolved.