South Korea Pledges Comprehensive Care System for Super-Aged Society
Seoul, South Korea – In a significant step towards addressing the nation’s rapidly aging population, President Lee Jae-myung announced the forthcoming nationwide implementation of a “community-based integrated care system.” This ambitious initiative, slated to launch in March of next year, aims to provide seniors with seamless access to medical, long-term care, and caregiver services directly within their residential communities.
The announcement was made during a special luncheon hosted at the Cheong Wa Dae guesthouse, bringing together approximately 190 key figures from the Korean Senior Citizens Association, including its chairman, Lee Jung-geun, and various provincial union presidents. The gathering, held to commemorate the winter solstice (Dongji), underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of its senior citizens.
President Lee highlighted the critical demographic shift South Korea is currently experiencing. “In 2025, South Korea has officially entered a super-aged society,” he stated, emphasizing that individuals aged 65 and older now constitute over 20% of the total population. This milestone necessitates a fundamental re-evaluation and overhaul of national policies.
A Nation Rebuilt, A Future Secured
Reflecting on recent national challenges, President Lee acknowledged the resilience of South Korea. “South Korea, which had risen to the ranks of advanced nations, narrowly escaped the brink of becoming a backward country due to the sudden martial law last year and has returned to a normal track,” he remarked. He attributed this recovery to the “sacrifices and dedication of our seniors,” expressing profound gratitude for their contributions to the nation’s economic, social, and democratic progress.
The president articulated a clear vision for the future, asserting, “Policies for seniors are now policies for all citizens.” This sentiment underpins a multipronged approach to support the growing senior population and ensure their continued active participation in society.
Key Policy Commitments for Senior Welfare
The government has outlined several key policy enhancements designed to bolster senior welfare:
- Increased Basic Pension: A commitment to raising the basic pension will provide greater financial security for elderly individuals.
- Expanded Employment Opportunities: The government aims to create a record-breaking 1,150,000 job opportunities specifically for seniors, fostering continued engagement and income generation.
- Health Insurance for Long-Term Care: A phased approach to applying health insurance coverage to nursing care costs within long-term care hospitals is planned, easing the financial burden on families.
A Foundation for Home-Based Care
The announcement of the community-based integrated care system was met with strong support from the Korean Senior Citizens Association. Chairman Lee Jung-geun lauded the initiative as “a foundation for realizing ‘home-based end-of-life care,’ which our association has long proposed.” This system is expected to alleviate the strain on families and ensure that seniors can receive comprehensive support in familiar surroundings.
In addition to expressing gratitude for the government’s care initiatives, Chairman Lee also put forth a proposal to re-designate ‘UN Day’ as a public holiday. This, he explained, would serve as a meaningful way to honor the 60 countries that provided assistance to South Korea during the Korean War in 1950 and to reaffirm the enduring value of peace.
The luncheon, marked by the traditional serving of red bean porridge for Dongji, featured a prominent placard emblazoned with the message, “The Path Traveled by Seniors, the Path We Will Continue.” Among the distinguished attendees were Jeong Eun-kyeong, Minister of Health and Welfare, and Kang Hoon-sik, Chief of Staff to the President, underscoring the high-level attention dedicated to this vital national agenda. The implementation of the integrated care system represents a significant stride in South Korea’s ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive and supportive society for all its citizens, particularly as it navigates the complexities of a super-aged demographic landscape.
