South Korean President Directs Review of Mifepristone Access Before Legal Limits Are Set

President Lee Jae Myung instructed the government on July 14 to examine ways for women to safely obtain the abortion pill mifepristone even before a legal framework is established. He gave the directive during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul. Lee said South Korean women have been purchasing mifepristone directly from overseas to bypass domestic restrictions and risking their health.

"Even if it causes some difficulties to the government, we have to allow them to take it appropriately," he said. Abortion is not illegal in South Korea, but the legal framework governing gestational limits and procedures has yet to be established. Lee called for a pragmatic approach and suggested giving doctors discretion to decide whether to prescribe the pill.

Separately, sources at Cheong Wa Dae said Lee's apartment in Seongnam's Bundang district, jointly owned with his wife, is set to be sold five months after being listed in February. A preliminary contract was signed shortly after the listing, with the final contract expected soon.