President Orders Investigation into Sanitary Napkin Costs, Seeks Free Provision for Low-Income Citizens
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A new initiative proposed by the nation’s leader aims to address affordability concerns surrounding sanitary napkins and provide greater financial protections for commercial tenants and crime victims. The proposals, discussed at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, signal a broader effort to improve the daily lives of citizens and address economic disparities.
The President directed officials to explore options for making basic-quality sanitary napkins more accessible, including potential consignment production and even free distribution to those in need. This action comes after reports indicated that sanitary pads in the country are approximately 40% more expensive than comparable products overseas.
“It seems true that sanitary pads in our country are about 40% more expensive than those overseas,” a senior official stated, relaying the President’s concerns.”Shouldn’t we make and sell cheap ones so that even the poor can use them?”
The President challenged the notion that higher domestic prices are justified by increased product quality, asserting that “consumers should be given a choice.” He questioned why manufacturers aren’t already producing affordable, basic options and indicated a willingness for government intervention if necessary.
Expanding Tenant Rights and Addressing Commercial Fee Transparency
Beyond sanitary product affordability, the cabinet meeting also focused on bolstering protections for tenants in commercial buildings. Officials were briefed on a new right allowing tenants to request detailed breakdowns of management fees from their landlords.
While acknowledging this as a positive step, the President urged further investigation into potential overcharging. “It is lucky that tenants can now request details of management fees from their landlords, but also asked them to look into the problem of overcharging,” a Blue House spokesperson, Kang Yoo-jeong, reported.
The President also called for a legal review of the structure of management groups, seeking ways to enhance the rights of both tenants and users of commercial spaces.
New Fund for Crime Victims Emphasizes Fair Compensation
The establishment of a new emergency living security fund for victims of crime was also discussed.The President stressed the importance of ensuring the fund provides realistic and adequate support, acknowledging that current security measures are sometimes insufficient to prevent harm.
“It is unfair that the damage suffered [is] due to the country’s imperfect security activities,” the president emphasized, calling for a reassessment of the fund’s allocation levels.
The broader “Policy for changing people’s livelihood in 2026,” jointly prepared by 19 ministries, underscores the government’s commitment to addressing a wide range of issues impacting citizens’ well-being. The initiatives announced Thursday represent a notable step toward achieving those goals, with a particular focus on economic fairness and social support.
Why: The president initiated these proposals to address economic disparities and improve the daily lives of citizens, focusing on affordability of essential goods, tenant rights, and support for crime victims.
Who: The initiatives were proposed by the nation’s President and discussed at a cabinet meeting involving 19 ministries. Key figures include the President, senior officials, and Blue House spokesperson Kang Yoo-jeong.
What: The proposals include investigating options for affordable sanitary napkins (possibly through consignment production or free distribution), granting tenants the right to detailed management fee breakdowns, a legal review of commercial management group structures, and establishing a new emergency fund for crime victims.
How did it end?: The initiatives were announced on Thursday and represent the first steps toward implementation. The President directed officials to explore options and investigate potential issues, with a broader “Policy for changing people’s livelihood in 2026” providing the framework for these changes. The outcome of the investigations and the specifics of the new fund and policies are yet
