Top headlines in major S. Korean newspapers

On September 17, major South Korean newspapers reported on several key headlines. The Korean-language daily Kyunghyang Shinmun covered the government's decision to formally introduce abortion pills for the first time in seven years, following a ban on the procedure. Meanwhile, the Kookmin Daily announced that South Korea had postponed the announcement of its first investment project to be undertaken in the United States.

Donga Ilbo focused on the dilemma surrounding the nominee for justice minister, while the Seoul Shinmun reported that abortion pills would be available at hospitals starting the following year.

Other top stories included a debate among minister nominees over real estate controversies in the Segye Times, and backlash against the justice minister nominee following his confirmation hearing in the Chosun Ilbo. JoongAng Ilbo reported that the introduction of abortion pills was just 64 days after South Korean President Lee Myung-bak ordered its implementation, following a seven-year delay.

Hankyoreh noted that both the ruling party and the presidential office were inclined to appoint the justice minister nominee despite opposition from certain quarters.

English-language dailies also covered the top stories. The Korea Herald reported on a 30-year vision for cooperation between South Korea and Central Asia, as outlined in the Seoul Declaration. The Korea Times highlighted the summit's elevation of Korea-Central Asia cooperation to a leaders' level, while the Korea JoongAng Daily reported that both South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and Central Asian leaders had adopted the Seoul Declaration.