Yongin's Absence from Universal Menstrual Product Support Sparks Outrage: Why Are Young Women Left Behind?

Yongin's Decision: What Happened?

Did you know that in June 2025, Yongin City decided not to participate in Gyeonggi Province's universal menstrual product support program? This program, aimed at providing monthly financial assistance for menstrual products to girls aged 11 to 19, has been widely praised across the province. However, Yongin, despite its status as a 'special city' and its large population, opted out, citing financial concerns. This move immediately drew sharp criticism from local advocacy groups, especially the Democratic Labor Party's Yongin Committee, which accused the city of neglecting the basic health rights of over 31,000 young women.

Understanding the Gyeonggi Province Program

Gyeonggi Province's universal menstrual product support program is a significant welfare initiative. Eligible young women receive up to 14,000 KRW per month, distributed via local digital currency, to purchase menstrual products at convenience stores and other approved outlets. The program is designed to reduce period poverty and ensure that all young women can manage their menstrual health with dignity. In 2025, the program expanded to cover more regions, but participation remains voluntary for each city, leading to disparities in access depending on where one lives.

Why Did Yongin Refuse to Join?

The official reason given by Yongin City was the potential financial burden. Despite boasting one of the highest financial self-sufficiency rates in the province, city officials argued that joining the program would strain the municipal budget. Critics, however, point out that Yongin's special city status comes with expanded autonomy and resources, and argue that the city should set an example in supporting basic rights. The Democratic Labor Party's Yongin Committee highlighted this contradiction, stating that 'the privileges of a special city should be used to guarantee citizens' fundamental rights, not as an excuse for inaction.'

Community and Online Reactions: Outrage and Disappointment

The response from Korean online communities has been intense. On major forums like TheQoo and DCInside, users expressed both anger and disappointment, with comments such as 'How can a city with so many resources ignore young women's health?' and 'This is a basic right, not a luxury.' Some users on Naver and Daum blogs shared personal stories about the importance of menstrual product support, emphasizing how such programs help reduce stigma and financial stress for families. Others called for greater transparency in Yongin's budget and questioned the city's priorities.

Comparing Cities: Regional Disparities in Welfare

Yongin's absence from the program has highlighted a broader issue in South Korea: regional inequality in welfare provision. While 24 out of 31 cities in Gyeonggi Province have joined the initiative, others like Yongin have not, creating a 'welfare lottery' based on one's address. This has led to frustration among residents, who feel left behind compared to peers in neighboring cities. On Tistory and Naver blogs, parents and students from Yongin voiced their disappointment, with some even considering moving to cities with better support systems.

Cultural Insight: Why Menstrual Product Support Matters in Korea

For international readers, it's important to understand the cultural context. Menstrual health has long been a sensitive topic in Korea, with many young women facing stigma and embarrassment. The universal support program is seen not just as financial aid, but as a step toward normalizing conversations about menstruation and promoting gender equality. The debate in Yongin reflects broader societal changes, as younger generations demand more inclusive and progressive policies.

What Comes Next? Calls for Change

Advocacy groups, parents, and students continue to pressure Yongin City to reconsider its stance. The Democratic Labor Party's Yongin Committee has issued a list of demands, including immediate participation in the program, expanded welfare policies befitting a special city, and greater transparency in budget allocation. Many hope that public outcry and media attention will force city officials to act, ensuring that no young woman is left behind due to her address.

Media Coverage and Blog Discussions

Recent news articles and blog posts have kept the issue in the spotlight. Outlets like Gyeonggi Ilbo and MK News have published detailed reports on the controversy, while Naver and Tistory bloggers have shared guides on how to apply for the support in participating cities, as well as personal testimonials about the impact of the program. These discussions have helped raise awareness and mobilize community action.

The Bigger Picture: Welfare, Rights, and Local Politics

Yongin's decision is more than a local policy dispute—it's a reflection of ongoing debates in Korea about the role of local governments in protecting citizens' rights. As more cities adopt universal welfare programs, the pressure mounts on holdouts like Yongin to follow suit. For now, the story serves as a reminder that access to basic health products remains a contentious and deeply political issue, even in one of Asia's most developed societies.