AGP Executive Report

Healing Tourism Law: South Korea’s new Act on the Promotion of the Healing Tourism Industry took effect April 9, 2026, formally recognizing healing tourism as an industry and setting national systems for regulation, training, accessibility, and regional “healing tourism districts,” with 20 destinations eligible for up to KRW 50 million each for international marketing and product development. Chuseok Care Access: Seoul says more than 6,000 clinics and pharmacies will stay open during the Chuseok holiday, backed by a 24-hour emergency response system, to reduce pressure on hospital emergency rooms and keep basic medicines available. Suicide Trend Watch: Korea’s overall suicide rate fell 4.7% in 2025, but teen suicides rose 7.5% to a record high, with mental health and family problems flagged as key factors. Aging & Dementia Burden: New cause-of-death statistics show dementia deaths rose about 72% over the past decade, and cancer, heart disease, and pneumonia remain top killers as the population ages fast. Medical Tourism Payments: KMTPA and Fypher signed an MoU to improve payment and remittance convenience for foreign medical tourists using digital dollar infrastructure. Obesity Treatment Spotlight: Coverage highlights how anti-obesity drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro are helping doctors manage long-term obesity care. Hospital Safety Training: Kyung Hee Medical Center staff received crisis-response and self-defense training to better handle verbal abuse and physical assaults in clinical settings.

Crohn’s Disease Surge in Korea: New data shows Crohn’s disease cases more than doubled over a decade, with many patients now in their 20s and 30s—highlighting a growing need for earlier diagnosis and better digestive health care. Illegal Propofol Crackdown: A Seoul dermatologist has been arrested for allegedly administering propofol hundreds of times for non-medical purposes, raising fresh concerns about drug safety and clinic oversight. Aging Care Pressure on Nursing Homes: Demand for nursing homes is booming, but insurers running facilities are still posting losses, pointing to rules and staffing limits that may need reform to expand capacity. Weather & Health Watch: Clear skies are expected, but dense fog and big day-to-night temperature swings could worsen respiratory and safety risks—especially for people sensitive to cold. Abortion Pills Approval Path: South Korea is set to approve abortion pills for the first time, with rollout expected by 2027, sparking intense debate over access and safeguards. DMZ Blast Injures Troops: Three South Korean officers were hurt in a suspected landmine explosion during a border operation, underscoring ongoing medical response needs in high-risk zones.

DMZ Safety & Injuries: Three South Korean officers were hurt in an unidentified explosion during a search operation in the Demilitarized Zone; the Joint Chiefs of Staff suspect a landmine and said two were airlifted for treatment while the third is also being examined. Autism Screening: A South Korean study that screened first graders in one city for over a decade found autism rates stayed flat across 12 birth cohorts, suggesting better detection rather than a true rise in cases. Elder Care Attitudes: A new analysis shows middle-aged Koreans increasingly believe elderly support should be shared by families, government and society, alongside faster shifts toward equal household chores. Medical Tourism Expansion: Korea will expand its roster of certified foreign-patient facilitators to 112 agencies from Oct. 1, aiming to spread K-medical tourism benefits beyond Seoul. Workplace Safety: HL Mando apologized after a subcontracted worker death and pledged outside safety audits plus expanded safety staffing and budget. Health Tech/Drugs: Vironexis reported durable MRD-negative responses in early ALL patients treated with VNX-101 in its SENTRY-CD19 trial.

Cancer Care Rankings: Samsung Medical Center and Asan Medical Center both landed in Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals top 10 for cancer care, with Samsung ranking fifth and citing strong survival outcomes and expanded advanced therapies including proton treatment and CAR T. Drug Safety Watch: Lawsuits are mounting over GLP-1 weight-loss/diabetes drugs after reports linking them to rare but potentially permanent vision loss, prompting calls for eye checks when starting treatment. Public Health & Policy: Seoul City Hall will host a family-focused “Chuseok Family Seoul Fitness Test” with AI-based fitness analysis and exercise counseling for all ages, plus a reminder to manage health during a big day-night temperature swing. Workplace Health: South Korea’s Supreme Court ruled disaster compensation must be paid to coal miners with worsened pneumoconiosis after mine closures, overturning a lower court decision. Weather & Health: Clear skies bring early autumn conditions but large temperature gaps and possible fog, urging residents to take extra care. Pharma Industry: Major Korean drugmakers are boosting R&D despite looming generic price cuts, while smaller firms trim budgets as profitability pressure rises. Medical Aid: Seoul plans to ship over 1,400 medical items to North Korea as humanitarian assistance.

Influenza surge: South Korea’s flu season kicked off five weeks early, with influenza-like illness rising to 31.0 per 1,000 outpatients in the 37th week, while COVID-19 hospitalizations climbed for eight straight weeks, prompting warnings for seniors and immunocompromised people ahead of Chuseok. Weight-loss drug misuse: A doctor cautioned that people at a normal weight seeking GLP-1 obesity drugs for “body shape” may be misusing treatment, urging clearer separation between weight and fat distribution concerns. Abortion pill rollout: South Korea moved to approve its first abortion pill (mifepristone + misoprostol) by early 2027, with a nine-week limit and an initial hospital-based prescribing/dispensing model. North Korea medical aid: The Unification Ministry plans to send 1,431 medical items (including AEDs) to Pyongyang for humanitarian care, after a UN sanctions exemption, though lawmakers raised diversion concerns. Medical education pressure: Seoul medical school early admissions fell to a decade low, with applications shifting toward regional tracks and other disciplines as competition intensifies. Rehab support via K-pop: Stray Kids’ Bang Chan donated 200 million won for rehabilitation care in Seoul and Nepal flood recovery, funding a dedicated medical center and UNICEF relief efforts. Public health tech & safety: KCC expanded color-based safety repainting for underground parking garages nationwide, aiming to improve navigation and reduce accidents.

Antibiotic Resistance Alarm: South Korea reports a sharp rise in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), with cases climbing to 3,292 in 2025 from 655 in 2018, and long-term care hospital reports jumping 23-fold (524 to 12,045), driven by increased antibiotic use and spread that can occur without symptoms. Cardio-Risk Link: A new study of 6.5 million South Koreans aged 20–39 finds gout patients face about a 44% higher risk of atrial fibrillation, with the risk especially high for those with chronic kidney disease. Women’s Health Policy: South Korea moves toward allowing abortion pills, with plans to phase in use for pregnancies up to nine weeks, while legal and public debate continues. Public Health & Safety: A humidifier disinfectant disaster report highlights long-term lung damage in victims exposed in the womb, underscoring ongoing health burdens. Skin Science: A science explainer breaks down whether pimple patches actually work and what they do on skin. Healthcare Community Support: Stray Kids’ Bang Chan donates 200 million won to support rehabilitation care in Korea and Nepal flood recovery, including funding for specialized rehab centers.

Gout–Heart Link: A new South Korean study of 6.5 million adults aged 20–39 found gout patients had about a 44% higher risk of developing atrial fibrillation, with the risk especially high for those with chronic kidney disease—another reason to manage gout early. Superbug Surge: Reports of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in Korea rose fivefold over seven years, reaching 3,292 cases in 2025; long-term care hospitals saw a 23-fold jump, and most cases involved people 70+. Abortion Pills Policy: South Korea is moving toward formally introducing abortion pills for pregnancies up to nine weeks, with plans for an early 2027 rollout drawing debate from rights groups and doctors. Cancer Care Advances: New trial updates in EGFR-mutant lung cancer highlight improved outcomes with targeted drug combinations (including zipalertinib plus chemotherapy and subcutaneous amivantamab-based regimens), while ovarian cancer sees a positive EU opinion for relacorilant plus nab-paclitaxel. Wound Healing Guidance: Doctors say wounds that don’t heal after 3–4 weeks can signal chronic problems like diabetes or circulation issues, and may require targeted treatment or reconstructive surgery. Public Health & Wellness: The Korean Dental Association’s “333 rule” message is getting a reality check—experts say thorough cleaning of each tooth area matters more than strict brushing time. Community Health Stories: A Seoul museum’s hospital school program for long-term pediatric patients won a national education award, and K-pop leader Bang Chan donated 200 million won for rehabilitation care and Nepal flood relief.

Sleep & Disease Risk: A large UK Biobank study links sleep quality—not just duration—to lower risk of many diseases, with more REM and deep sleep tied to fewer conditions and frequent waking tied to higher anxiety and substance-use risk. Cancer Screening Breakthrough: A Nature Medicine report describes PANXEON, an AI-driven blood test that correctly identified about 87% of early pancreatic cancer cases (stages I–II) across nearly 1,800 participants. Mental Health & Autism Claims: A JAMA Pediatrics study of South Korean birth cohorts finds autism spectrum disorder prevalence stayed stable, pointing to improved detection rather than an “epidemic.” Public Health Policy: South Korea is moving toward approval of abortion pills by early 2027, with rights groups and doctors clashing over access and safety steps. Health Security Cooperation: Asean health ministers, with South Korea among partners, prioritize diagnostics security and self-reliance for 2027–2028. Clinical Research Oversight: AAHRPP reaccredits Kyung Hee University Hospital and Daegu Catholic University Medical Center in South Korea, reinforcing human-subject research standards.

Abortion Pill Rollout: South Korea plans to approve abortion pills for the first time, targeting medication abortions for pregnancies up to nine weeks by early 2027, aiming to close the current legal gap that has pushed some women toward unregulated online sources. Aging & Frailty Care: The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency will unveil a national standard for defining frailty in older adults, treating it as a condition that can be slowed or improved with early exercise, nutrition, and social activity. Cybersecurity for Health Finance: Hacking attempts against the National Pension Service have surged 275.5% year-on-year, with most attacks coming from overseas; officials say no breaches occurred but preemptive security must be strengthened. Elderly Surgical Breakthrough: Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital completed a robotic total gastrectomy on a 97-year-old stomach cancer patient, emphasizing tailored assessment beyond age alone. Public Health & Workforce Pressure: Flu cases are rising earlier than expected, and pneumonia risk is increasing as flu and COVID-19 surge together. Drug Policy & Access: Korea also plans to tighten oversight of drug sales outsourcing firms and expand research funding across regional national university hospitals.

Abortion Pill Rollout: South Korea plans to approve abortion pills by early 2027 for pregnancies up to nine weeks, but the move is sparking a clash between women’s rights groups pushing wider access and doctors urging tighter supervision and clearer legal protections. Medical Tourism Demand: A government-affiliated survey says Korea is the top preferred destination for overseas medical care, with rising awareness and trust in Korean hospitals driving interest. Seoul Pregnancy Support: Seoul’s cost-aid program for pregnant women aged 35+ reports that most recipients felt less financial burden and were more likely to seek needed care and tests. Autism Research: Korean scientists report autism can be split into two brain states based on gene activity, with different responses to drug treatment—aiming for more tailored care. Health Fraud Crackdown: Ahead of Chuseok, regulators found 308 cases of false advertising and illegal distribution tied to gift-set products sold online, including quasi-drugs and cosmetics. Chuseok Grave-Tending Shift: More families are hiring professionals to clear ancestral graves, driven by aging and the growing sense that the work is risky. Lung Cancer Genetics: A new study links a rare inherited EGFR mutation to sharply higher lung cancer risk in never-smokers, suggesting some people may benefit from earlier screening. Cybersecurity for Health Tech: Naver Cloud warns AI-driven cyberattacks are spreading across sectors including healthcare, pushing for cross-border cooperation.

Abortion Pill Rollout: South Korea plans to introduce abortion pills for pregnancies up to nine weeks starting in the first quarter of next year, with phased access and prescriptions/dispensing through hospitals or clinics for the first two years; the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety says no separate domestic safety trial is needed for Mifegyne due to decades of overseas use, while the Catholic Church warns the plan would “institutionalize” abortion and urges stronger social support for women. Drug Safety & Enforcement: Korea Customs says seizures of imported obesity drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy surged, with many shipments showing inconsistent active ingredient levels and impurities, prompting tighter clearance checks. Cancer Treatment Updates: In lung cancer trials presented in Seoul, ivonescimab reportedly outperformed Keytruda on median overall survival in a China study, while DESTINY-Lung04 showed Enhertu extending time before progression in HER2-mutant advanced lung cancer, though overall survival results remain unsettled. Healthcare Tech & Care Delivery: Samsung Medical Center unveiled humanoid surgical-assistance robots for operating-room support, and LG CNS showcased AI smart-factory solutions tied to manufacturing of medical devices. Public Health Program: Korea will move COVID-19 shots into the regular national immunization program from Oct. 12, targeting high-risk groups including seniors and immunocompromised people.

Cancer Care Updates (WCLC 2026): Seoul hosted IASLC 2026 World Conference on Lung Cancer, where experts highlighted new approaches for non–small cell and small cell lung cancer, including brain MRI surveillance strategies and fresh trial readouts for targeted therapies. Hospital Safety Probe: Prosecutors asked police to reopen a fatal blood-type mix-up case at a Seoul university hospital after police previously closed it without sending it to prosecutors; the patient received the wrong blood type due to an emergency-room barcode/identity verification error. Gut Health & ADHD: A large review of over 1.9 million people found ADHD is linked with higher odds of gastrointestinal problems, including constipation and irritable bowel syndrome—prompting clinicians to ask about GI symptoms. Public Health & Tech: Apple said hypertension notifications won’t be available on some Apple Watch models in 33 regions while regulatory clearances are still in progress. Health-Adjacent Policy: South Korea’s AI regulation debate continues as APAC countries diverge on how tightly to govern AI systems. Weather & Wellness: Wide daily temperature swings across Korea are expected, with advice to manage health risks during rapid shifts.

Abortion Pills Rollout: South Korea plans a phased introduction of medication abortion (mifepristone) for pregnancies up to nine weeks, targeting a start by early 2027, with doctors prescribing and dispensing at major hospitals first, while medical groups call for a clearer legal framework and stronger safety rules. Social Security Fairness: The Ministry of Health and Welfare launched a task force to review fairness in the social security system, including how reciprocity applies to foreign nationals’ retroactive National Pension back-payments. Medical Devices Funding: KIBO signed an agreement with the Korea Medical Devices Industry Association and Woori Bank to help promising medical device firms raise funds via guarantees and support. Food Safety: A Seoul court fined a Michelin two-star restaurant for serving unapproved ants with heavy metals above permitted levels. Health Tech & Research: New lung cancer trial updates from WCLC in Seoul highlight improved outcomes with EGFR-targeted combinations and other next-gen therapies. International Health Cooperation: Kyrgyzstan and South Korea discussed a joint medical center in Kyrgyzstan and visa easing, alongside broader health and medical tourism cooperation.

Post-Discharge Elder Care: Seoul will pilot a new program for seniors after hospital discharge, offering home visits or short-term facility care with costs covered up to 2.4 million won for eligible households, aiming to ease “dual caregiving” burdens. Hospital Safety Probe: Prosecutors asked police to reopen a fatal blood-type mix-up case at a Seoul university hospital after an emergency patient with type O received type A blood due to switched barcodes. Cancer Drug Competition in Korea: At WCLC 2026 in Seoul, Akeso’s ivonescimab (HARMONi) reported a 27% lower death risk vs Keytruda in first-line NSCLC, fueling interest in next-gen checkpoint bispecifics and Korean antibody strategies. Aging Pressure Spotlight: Coverage highlights how fast South Korea is becoming “super-aged,” stressing the need to prepare for pensions, healthcare, and caregiving. Digital Health for Seniors: Korea steps up efforts to help older adults navigate digital services and reduce the tech divide. Vaccine Trust Watch: New polls show declining trust in measles vaccine safety and mixed follow-through on doctors’ advice amid conflicting information. Neurodiagnostics: Amprion launched SAAmplify®-αSYN Plus (CSF), a new test to better detect multiple system atrophy pathology earlier. Cosmetics Meets Aesthetics: Hugel is licensing tech to expand into cosmetics, while Yuhan is developing an anti-fibrosis drug candidate targeting multi-organ fibrosis. Tree Doctor Exam: Only 23% passed Korea’s “tree doctor” certification second-stage exam as retirees seek second careers.

Lung Cancer Research (WCLC Seoul): Multiple IASLC 2026 updates spotlight new options for hard-to-treat NSCLC, including updated SOLARA Phase 1/2 results for the EGFR C797S resistance setting (BH-30643), longer-follow-up survival data for ivonescimab plus chemo in EGFR-mutant disease (HARMONi), and final PAPILLON trial overall survival results for amivantamab plus chemotherapy in EGFR exon 20 insertion NSCLC. Cancer Care Strategy: Interviews at WCLC also discuss treatment sequencing in HER2-mutant NSCLC (T-DXd vs oral HER2 TKIs) and real-world approaches to continuing tarlatamab beyond progression, with brain-focused local treatment playing a key role. Public Health & Access: Seoul is expanding digital support for older adults via AI digital learning centers, aiming to close a widening tech gap that leaves many seniors struggling with online services. Healthcare System Pressure: A report flags a shortage of psychiatric ER beds, leaving at-risk patients waiting over four hours. Local Health Incident: A refrigerant leak on a Russian vessel in Busan injured four people, with medical care underway. Charity (Pediatrics): Stray Kids’ Felix donated 300 million won to support children’s cancer care and pediatric patients, plus Nepal flood relief.

Suicide Prevention: School-age suicides in South Korea hit a record high in 2025, rising 65% over five years (244 deaths; 6 elementary, 92 middle, 146 high), with family issues, mental health, school pressure and relationships cited as key factors. Aging & Public Health: South Korea counted 8,604 centenarians as of Nov. 2025—up 172% since 2015—with women making up 83.4%; many living at home reported controlled diets and reluctance to move to long-term care. Inter-Korean Health Aid: The Unification Ministry says Seoul is ready to provide medical equipment to a North Korean hospital if asked, citing UN sanctions approval and budget, with plans for 166 types for Kangdong County Hospital. Cancer Care Update: New lung cancer trial results presented in Seoul highlight brain MRI surveillance alone as a preferred approach for small-cell lung cancer, potentially reducing cognitive decline risk and treatment toxicities versus prophylactic cranial irradiation. Clinical Research & Drug Delivery: Aptar and Massachusetts General Hospital announced a nose-to-brain drug delivery research collaboration aimed at improving non-invasive brain targeting. Health Policy Watch: A study warns the U.S. Medicare “Most-Favoured-Nation” drug pricing plan could backfire globally by pushing manufacturers to raise prices or delay launches outside the U.S.