Suspected cases of side effects involving worsened vision after taking the obesity treatment Wegovy have been reported domestically as well.

However, criticisms have been raised that the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) was slow to respond.

During a parliamentary audit, MFDS Minister Oh Yu-kyung stated that one suspected case of vision impairment following Wegovy administration was received in December 2024.

The condition in question occurs when blood is not properly supplied to the optic nerve, which can lead to a sudden loss of vision or permanent damage.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) initiated a review of the related side effects in January of last year and classified it as a "very rare side effect" in June of the same year.

MFDS Minister Oh Yu-kyung stated that the ministry also approved the condition as a side effect on October 7.