Coupang will lower the price of its private-label (PB) sanitary pads to about 99 won each to expand supply.

Coupang's private-label subsidiary CPLB said on Thursday it will cut selling prices of medium and large products under its specialist sanitary pad brand Lunami by up to 29 percent from Feb. 1. Lunami is a brand CPLB planned and introduced, and production is handled by domestic small and medium-sized manufacturers.

Under the move, medium-sized pads will be kept at 99 won each and large pads at 105 won. It is the first time Coupang has moved directly to cut prices among distributors excluding manufacturers of sanitary pads.

Prices for medium and large sanitary pads sold by major manufacturer brands (NB) in the market are currently set at more than 200 won to 300 won each. CPLB has previously offered Lunami products at 120 won to 150 won each, but lowered prices further through this measure.

Specifically, a bundle of 4 packs of 18 medium pads will be cut to 7,120 won from 9,390 won, while a bundle of 4 packs of 16 large pads will be reduced to 6,690 won from 9,440 won. The price cuts will also be applied to other Lunami bundle products with strong customer demand.

Lunami sanitary pads are produced by domestic small and medium-sized manufacturers. They have been popular for value for money despite having quality features such as a breathable backsheet and a function to prevent side leakage. Coupang decided to cover all losses arising from the lower selling prices.

Separately, President Lee Jae-myung (이재명) said at a Cabinet meeting on Jan. 20 that the price of sanitary pads in South Korea is about 40 percent higher than overseas. He instructed the Fair Trade Commission and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family to review a plan to make low-cost sanitary pads with basic quality and provide them free of charge.