KIHASA Update
Window on Korean Society: October 11-17
- Date 2025-10-13
- Hits 89
Oct. 11
●Cigarette use drops drastically since 2015: study The Korea Herald
The percentage of men in their 20s and 30s who smoke dropped nearly 20 percentage points from 2015 to 2024, though the figure does not include users of e-cigarettes and other alternative tobacco products.
Oct. 12
●Rat sightings, infestations double over past three years, climate change blamed Korea JoongAng Daily
Complaints from Seoul residents about rat sightings and infestations have doubled over the past three years, with climate change cited as a key contributing factor to the rise.●70s and over outnumber people in their 20s for first time amid low birth rates and aging population Korea JoongAng Daily
As Korea's low birthrate and aging population persist, the number of people in their 20s fell below the number of people in their '70s and older for the first time last year.
Oct. 13
●Sleep Disorder Patients Surge 26% in Four Years The Chosun Daily
The number of domestic patients with sleep disorders has increased by 26% over four years, exceeding 1.3 million last year.●70+ Population Surpasses 20s, Becomes Major Consumers and Taxpayers The Chosun Daily
As the pace of low birth rates and aging accelerates, the population aged 70 and above has surpassed that of those in their 20s for the first time in history.●Korean workplace still seen as 'men's world' despite rise in female executives The Korea Herald
The majority of employed Koreans still view the workplace as a "men's world," where success often depends on fitting into male-centered hierarchies, despite increased female representation in executive positions.●Korea ranks second in OECD for antibiotic consumption, raising health concerns Korea JoongAng Daily
Korea's antibiotic consumption ranks as the second highest among member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), raising serious concerns over the potential health risks posed by the overuse of such medications.●Koreans aged 70 and over surpass 20-somethings for 1st time The Korea Times
The number of Koreans aged 70 and above has overtaken those in their 20s for the first time, as decades of low birthrates and rapid aging continue to reshape the country's demographics.
Oct. 15
●3 out of 10 cases of workplace harassment not responded to: survey The Korea Herald
Around 30 percent of workplace harassment cases are not reported or responded to, a survey by the Ministry of Employment and Labor showed Wednesday.
Oct. 16
●Korea loosens organ donation rules amid deadly shortage The Korea Herald
South Korea's Health Ministry on Thursday said it would permit organs to be taken after a donors heart had stopped beating, as it struggles to deal with a shortage of organs for transplant.
Oct. 17
●More than 40% of Koreans would prefer to 'avoid unnecessary suffering' if terminally ill Korea JoongAng Daily
Only 8 percent of Korean adults would choose to continue life-sustaining treatment if diagnosed with terminal cancer, according to a recent study.●Number of patients receiving fertility treatments rises 30% in four years as provision expands The Korea Herald
The number of South Koreans receiving fertility treatments has surged more than 30 percent in the past four years, with male patients exceeding 100,000 for the first time, according to government data released Friday.●Seoul declares end to 20-month medical crisis after doctors end walkout The Korea Herald
South Korea will lift its top-level public health emergency alert, declared at the height of the nationwide dcotrs' strike last year, officially declaring an end to the medical crisis that has persisted for nearly 20 months.●Gov't urges public to get flu shots as influenza cases rise Korea JoongAng Daily
Health authorities issued a flu advisory on Friday as the number of influenza cases continues to rise, urging people--especially children and seniors--to get vaccinated as early as possible.