Published 5 hours ago • loading... • Updated 4 hours ago
How South Korea is tackling its super-aging problem – and what other aging nations can learn from its experience
Officials are weighing a higher retirement age as the pension fund nears depletion and long-term care demand rises.
In December 2024, South Korea reached super-aged status as residents 65 and older surpassed 20% of the population, completing a demographic transition in about 24 years.
Economic insecurity persists as 39.7% of people 66 and older live on less than half the national median household disposable income, the highest rate among OECD's 38 member countries.
A 2025 pension reform will raise contribution rates from 9% to 13% by 2033, while lawmakers debate gradually increasing the statutory retirement age from 60 to 65.
Introduced in 2008, long-term care insurance provides home and residential support for those with physical or cognitive needs, though demand for services is rising rapidly.
South Korea's experience demonstrates that aging societies have more options when they act before fiscal pressures become severe, requiring policymakers to coordinate pension and employment reforms early.