Korean court to rule on abortion case as legal void turns pregnancy termination into murder trial

01 Mar. 2026
KIM JU-YEON

In a country with no abortion law since 2021, a woman terminated a 36-week pregnancy and now faces a murder conviction. Civic groups are urging a Seoul court to find her not guilty as she awaits a verdict on Wednesday.

The incident began with a video uploaded in June 2024, in which the woman, surnamed Kwon, documented terminating her pregnancy at 36 weeks. Public shock and an online witch hunt followed. Kwon deleted the video, but the controversy escalated into a police investigation after the Ministry of Health and Welfare referred the case to authorities.

Continued: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-03-01/national/socialAffairs/Korean-court-to-rule-on-abortion-case-as-legal-void-turns-pregnancy-termination-into-murder-trial/2534121

01.03.2026

News

Center for Sexual Rights and Reproductive Justice

Jeong Eun-kyeong addresses abortion law void, considers abortion pill legalization in Korea

Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong explores options for safe abortion practices and regulatory reforms in Korea

By Heo Ji-yoon
2025.08.27

Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong emphasized the need to address the legal void regarding abortion laws and stated that she would consider introducing abortion (termination) medication.

On the 27th, Minister Jeong responded to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Jo Bae-suk regarding abortion laws at the Special Committee on Budget & Accounts, saying, "Since the constitutional incompatibility decision, the Criminal Act and the Mother and Child Health Act have not been amended, leading to safety issues."

https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-science/2025/08/27/BHL7ASQCRVG6XMTT5K3GTKRZAI/

27.08.2025