KIHASA Update
Window on Korean Society: January 31-February 6
- Date 2026-02-02
- Hits 25
Jan. 31
●Health Infrastructure Investment Outperforms Genetics, Says Seoul National Univesity Professor The Chosun Daily
"To prevent the 'medical cost bomb' that will hit Korea in the future, proactive investment in preemptive health management and disease prevention is necessary."
Feb. 01
●Survey reveals retirement age increase favored by older Koreans Korea JoongAng Daily
Two out of three Koreans aged 50 and older believe that the retirement age should be higher than the current 65, according to a recent report.●Is a sugar tax good public health care policy or just a government cash grab? Korea JoongAng Daily
The debate over a levy on sugar has resurfaced after President Lee Jae Myung asked the public for its views on imposing such charges.●Two-thirds of older Koreans back raising retirement age: study The Korea Times
Two out of three Koreans aged 50 and older support extending the mandatory retirement age, a recent survey found, with respondents favoring an average retirement age of 66.3--higher than the current eligibility age of 65 for the national and basic pension programs.●'Naming and shaming' of child-support defaulters resurfaces in Korea The Korea Times
A digital wall of shame targeting parents who fail to pay child support has resurfaced in Korea, reigniting a national debate over whether public shaming is a legitimate tool of justice or an unlawful invasion of privacy.●Young Koreans show renewed interest in marriage: survey The Korea Herald
Unmarried South Koreans are increasingly expressing an intention to get married, suggesting a gradual shift in how younger generations view marriage and family formation, a survey showed Sunday.
Feb. 02
●Single-Person Households Face Elevated Early Death Risk The Chosun Daily
People living alone have a 35-43% higher risk of dying before age 65 compared to those living with family, according to a new study.●Record Senior Jobs Leave 216,000 Elderly Unsuccessful The Chosun Daily
Kim, 71 years old, who lives with his wife in Dongnae-gu, Busan, has worked non-regular jobs such as parking attendant and delivery driver since retiring from a small business.●Seoul unveils new suicide-prevention measures amid persistent deaths The Korea Herald
Seoul is confronting persistent suicide pressures, even as its rate remains the lowest in the country, prompting the city to expand both human and artificial intelligence-driven support systems.
Feb. 03
●Health Insurance Premiums to Hit 10.4% by 2035 The Chosun Daily
A study has found that due to the rapid increase in medical costs caused by an aging population, the current health insurance premium rate of 7.19% of income must rise to 10.4% by 2035 and 20.1% by 2050.●Korean adoptees welcome fresh inquiry into rights violations in adoption process The Korea Times
Overseas adoptees welcomed the planned launch of a new Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Korea, expressing hope that it would allow the government to resume and expand investigations into suspected misconduct in an overseas adoption system that sent roughly 200,000 Korean children to Western countries, mostly in the 1960s through the 1980s.

