Story perspectives

South Korea Targets Sanitary Pad Prices for Affordability

1/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung criticized sanitary pad prices during a Cabinet meeting, noting they are nearly 40% higher than abroad.
Coupang will launch its own brand of sanitary pads at 99 won each, starting February 1.
Yuhan Kimberly and LG Uni-Charm plan to introduce lower-priced options.
Lee emphasized affordable sanitary products to support low-income households and cited high distribution costs as a contributor.

History

Historical Context

In 2015, South Korea's National Assembly enacted the "Menstrual Hygiene Management Act," mandating free sanitary products in schools, benefiting over 1.5 million students annually. This legislation emerged amid ongoing debates about menstrual health accessibility, highlighted by President Lee Jae Myung's criticism of high prices. Companies like Yuhan Kimberly and LG Uni-Charm have since introduced lower-priced options, addressing economic disparities in menstrual health.

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Story summary

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung criticized sanitary pad prices during a Cabinet meeting, noting they are nearly 40% higher than abroad.
Coupang will launch its own brand of sanitary pads at 99 won each, starting February 1.
Yuhan Kimberly and LG Uni-Charm plan to introduce lower-priced options.
Lee emphasized affordable sanitary products to support low-income households and cited high distribution costs as a contributor.

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