Regulatory Updates
Sep 3, 2026•1 min read
Korean Pharmacist Group Calls for Further Revisions to OTC Standard Manufacturing Criteria
The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced a partial amendment to OTC drug manufacturing standards; a pharmacist association praised the move but urged broader, realistic updates.
Regulatory Updates
Sep 3, 2026•1 min read
2027 Minimum Wage Set at 17,000 KRW per Hour
South Korea's Minimum Wage Committee approved a 3.68% increase, setting the 2027 hourly minimum wage at 17,000 KRW.
Regulatory Updates
Sep 3, 2026•1 min read
MFDS to Hold Public-Private Forum on Digital Convergence Medicines Regulation
The MFDS will host a public‑private meeting on the 15th in Seoul to discuss regulatory and review processes for digital convergence medicines under the Digital Medical Device Act.
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Regulatory Updates
Sep 3, 2026•1 min read
Korean Government Boosts Drug Prevention Education, Youth Awareness Scores Rise
Drug prevention education in Korea improves risk awareness and confidence to refuse, with youth perception scores climbing from 64.5 to 83.8 between 2024 and 2025.
Regulatory Updates
Sep 3, 2026•1 min read
President Lee Calls for Rapid Approval and Prescription System for Abortion Medication
President Lee Jae‑myung urged ministries to swiftly approve and integrate abortion drugs into a public safety framework, with lawmakers pressing parliament for rapid action.
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Regulatory Updates
Sep 3, 2026•1 min read
South Korea adds 12 hospitals to police investigation over alleged cancer patient fee refunds
The Ministry of Health and Welfare has asked police to investigate 12 additional medical institutions suspected of providing fee refunds ('payback') to cancer patients, raising the total to 18 cases.
Regulatory Updates
Sep 3, 2026•1 min read
Korean Pharmaceutical Association Holds 300‑Day Relay Protest to Demand Reform of Herbal Pharmacist Licensing
The Korean Pharmaceutical Association marked the 300th day of its relay rally outside the Blue House, urging the government and parliament to overhaul the herbal pharmacist licensing system and fulfill promises on Korean medicine division.
Regulatory Updates
Sep 3, 2026•1 min read
Calls Intensify for Normalization of Korean Parliament Standing Committees
Democratic Party urges the People Power Party to end boycott and resume full committee work, including health and welfare, amid growing pressure for parliamentary normalization.
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Regulatory Updates
Sep 2, 2026•1 min read
Korea Adjusts Drug Distribution Reporting Deadline Due to Constitution Day Holiday
The Korean Pharmaceutical Management Center has shifted the reporting deadline for specialized drug shipments scheduled between Sep 16‑19 to Sep 20, due to the re‑designated Constitution Day holiday on Sep 17.
Regulatory Updates
Sep 2, 2026•1 min read
백종헌 의원, 첨단재생의료법 일부개정안 14일 대표발의
국민의힘 백종헌 의원이 재생의료기관의 인체세포 자가처리 범위 합리화를 위한 법률개정안을 14일 대표발의했습니다.
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Regulatory Updates
Sep 2, 2026•1 min read
Lawmaker Cho Bo-yoon Holds Forum on Monitoring Disability Convenience Facilities
Lawmaker Cho Bo-yoon convened over 100 officials and experts to discuss systematic maintenance of disability convenience facilities in Korea.
Regulatory Updates
Sep 2, 2026•1 min read
South Korea's Health Ministry Announces Major Organizational Overhaul
The Ministry of Health and Welfare will create a new Regional Essential Public Healthcare Office, add 29 staff positions and expand AI response units, effective Oct 21.
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