South Korea abandons a plan to introduce gender-neutral hospital rooms following public backlash, according to reports. The proposal had faced criticism from opponents who raise concerns about patient privacy, including worries about shared spaces and personal safety. Commenters and critics also point to risks of sexual misconduct in environments where patients of different genders may share facilities. Supporters of gender-neutral approaches argue that similar models exist elsewhere and can be implemented to meet medical and administrative needs. The Japan Times notes that countries such as Japan and Canada have gender-neutral facilities, which has been cited as context for the discussion in South Korea. After the backlash, South Korea moves away from the gender-neutral room concept rather than proceeding as originally planned. The reports focus on the reasons given for the reversal—primarily privacy and safety concerns—without detailing a new alternative hospital-room policy or timeline.