Seoul: The antitrust watchdog has launched an investigation into three major manufacturers of sanitary pads, industry sources said Wednesday, following remarks by President Lee Jae Myung over high prices. The Fair Trade Commission sent investigators to the headquarters of Yuhan-Kimberly, LG Unicharm, and Cleanwrap starting Tuesday to examine their pricing practices, the sources said.

According to Yonhap News Agency, during a policy briefing last week, Lee instructed officials to "look into the matter," saying sanitary pad prices in South Korea are unusually high compared with those in other countries. The investigation aims to determine whether these companies have engaged in price rigging activities that contribute to the elevated prices of sanitary pads in the market.

The focus of the investigation is on understanding the pricing strategies of these manufacturers and identifying any potential anti-competitive practices. The FTC's decision to probe these companies comes amid growing concerns over the affordability of essential hygiene products for women, highlighting the need for fair pricing in the industry.

The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for the sanitary products market in South Korea, potentially leading to regulatory actions if any misconduct is found. The authorities are committed to ensuring that consumers have access to reasonably priced hygiene products.