A South Korean vlogger has sparked outrage after claiming she underwent an abortion at nine months. The woman, whose identity remains undisclosed, is now under investigation for murder in a case that has shocked the nation and drawn attention to the gaps in South Korea’s abortion laws. Currently, the country has no regulations specifying when, where, or how abortions can be performed.
The Seoul National Police began their investigation in July, following a request from the South Korean government. This occurred after the woman shared a YouTube video that allegedly documented her abortion experience, police said.
In many parts of the world, abortions beyond 24 weeks are either banned or allowed only under exceptional circumstances. However, South Korea lacks laws that define restrictions or guidelines around abortion.
Previously, the procedure was strictly regulated, with abortion considered a criminal offense that could result in up to two years of imprisonment. Exceptions were made in cases of rape, incest, or threats to the health or life of the mother or baby.
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The situation changed in 2019 when South Korea’s Constitutional Court overturned the ban, directing the National Assembly to pass new abortion laws by the end of 2020. The court recommended these laws include a 22-week limit on abortions. However, the legislature failed to act by the deadline, leading to the decriminalization of abortion at any stage of pregnancy as the old legal provisions expired.
In June, South Korea’s Ministry of Justice released a statement saying that discussions about revising the abortion laws, including their scope and timing, were ongoing. The ministry indicated it would need to work with the Health and Welfare Ministry, which oversees the Maternal and Child Health Act, to create a balanced approach that considers the rights of both the fetus and pregnant women.
Experts warn that this legal void not only raises the risk of malpractice but also limits access to safe abortions. Without new legislation, the National Assembly is “failing to fulfill its duties,” according to Cho Hee-kyoung, a law professor at Hongik University. Cho explained that without laws criminalizing certain actions, they cannot be prosecuted as crimes.
Additionally, the absence of clear guidelines has created uncertainty for both women and abortion providers, who are unsure of what is legally allowed. Reliable information on where to obtain an abortion is difficult to find, and the procedure is not covered by the national health system, according to reports.
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