Shocking Arrests: Hospital Director and Surgeon Detained Over '36-Week Abortion' Case in Korea

Introduction: A Case That Shook the Nation

Did you know that a recent case in Korea involving a 36-week abortion has sparked nationwide outrage and debate? On June 28, 2025, the director and lead surgeon of an OB/GYN clinic were arrested on murder charges after performing a late-term abortion on a 20-something YouTuber, known as 'A.' This incident, which began with a YouTube vlog, has become a focal point for discussions about law, ethics, and the future of reproductive rights in Korea.
What makes this case so controversial is not just the late stage of the pregnancy, but also the fact that the procedure and its aftermath were shared publicly, igniting intense scrutiny from both authorities and the public.

Timeline of the Incident: From YouTube Video to Courtroom Drama

The story began in June 2024, when YouTuber 'A' uploaded a video titled '900 Million Won for Surgery, 120 Hours of Hell,' detailing her experience of undergoing an abortion at 36 weeks. The video included ultrasound images and an emotional recounting of the process. The post quickly went viral, with viewers shocked by both the late stage of the abortion and the openness of the confession.
Following the video's release, the Ministry of Health and Welfare requested a police investigation. Authorities soon identified the hospital director (in his 80s) and the operating surgeon (in his 60s), who were both later arrested on murder charges. The police alleged that the fetus was alive outside the womb and died after medical staff failed to provide necessary care.
This case is unique because it blurs the line between abortion and infanticide, given the fetus's potential viability at 36 weeks.

Legal Background: Korea's Abortion Laws and the 'Legislative Vacuum'

Korean law has been in flux since the Constitutional Court ruled the abortion ban unconstitutional in 2019. However, as of 2025, there is still no clear legal framework regulating abortions after 24 weeks, except in cases where the mother's life is at risk. The current Maternal and Child Health Act generally prohibits abortions after 24 weeks, but lacks specific criminal penalties due to the legislative gap.
This legal uncertainty has led to confusion among medical professionals and patients alike. In this case, police applied murder charges rather than abortion-related ones, arguing that a 36-week fetus is capable of independent life. This decision has triggered heated debates among legal experts, doctors, and activists.

Medical and Ethical Controversies: When Does Abortion Become Murder?

The medical community is deeply divided over the case. Some argue that performing an abortion at 36 weeks, when the fetus is viable, crosses the line into infanticide. Others point out that the lack of clear legal guidelines leaves doctors vulnerable to prosecution and patients without safe options.
In this incident, the police claimed that the fetus was born alive and died due to lack of immediate medical intervention. This detail is crucial, as it forms the basis for the murder charge. Critics say that the medical staff should have provided neonatal care, while supporters argue that the focus should be on the circumstances that led the patient to seek such a late abortion.

Media Coverage and Online Community Reactions

The case has dominated headlines in major Korean news outlets and sparked heated discussions on platforms like Theqoo, Nate Pann, Instiz, Naver, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21.
Positive comments often express sympathy for the woman, citing the lack of support for pregnant women and the pressures that lead to desperate choices. Negative comments, however, are far more prevalent, with many calling the act 'murder' and demanding harsher punishment for both the medical staff and the patient.
Representative comments include:
- 'This is not abortion, it's murder. The doctors should lose their licenses.'
- 'How could anyone do this at 36 weeks? The law needs to be stricter.'
- 'Society failed this woman. We need better support systems.'
Some users also criticized the government for failing to address the legislative vacuum and for not providing clear guidelines to medical professionals.

Cultural Insights: Why This Case Resonates So Deeply in Korea

To understand the intensity of the public reaction, it's important to consider Korea's cultural context. Abortion remains a highly sensitive topic, shaped by Confucian values, a strong emphasis on family, and social stigma against single mothers and unplanned pregnancies. The fact that the case involved a popular YouTuber and was shared openly on social media made it even more explosive.
Many Koreans see the incident as a reflection of broader social issues, including inadequate sex education, limited access to reproductive healthcare, and the lack of support for women facing crisis pregnancies. The case has also reignited debates about the role of online influencers and the boundaries of personal disclosure.

Comparisons to International Cases and Global Fandom Perspective

Internationally, late-term abortions are rare and typically only performed for serious medical reasons. In the US and Europe, laws vary, but most countries prohibit abortions after fetal viability except in exceptional circumstances. The Korean case is notable for the criminal charges and the intense public backlash.
For international fans of Korean culture, this case is a stark reminder of the country's ongoing struggles with balancing tradition and modernity, especially regarding women's rights and medical ethics. It also highlights the power of social media to shape public opinion and influence legal outcomes.

Looking Ahead: Legal Reform and Societal Change

The '36-week abortion' case has become a catalyst for calls to reform Korea's abortion laws and clarify the responsibilities of medical professionals. Lawmakers are under pressure to address the legislative vacuum and provide clear guidelines for both patients and doctors.
Meanwhile, women's rights groups are demanding better access to reproductive healthcare and more comprehensive sex education. Medical associations are calling for legal protections for doctors who follow ethical guidelines.
As the legal proceedings continue, the case is likely to remain a touchstone for debates about reproductive rights, medical ethics, and the role of social media in shaping public discourse in Korea.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Korea's Future

This case is more than just a legal battle; it's a reflection of Korea's evolving values and the challenges of navigating complex ethical issues in a rapidly changing society. Whether it leads to meaningful reform or deepens existing divides remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conversation about abortion, ethics, and the law in Korea is far from over.