Vice Minister Hyun Sooyeob Visits Daegu to Review Lonely Death Prevention Policies

“People and AI Working Together to Protect Our Neighbors”

- Encourages community volunteers supporting socially isolated at-risk households in Daegu -

- Visits a household receiving AI- and ICT-based check-in services -

Vice Minister Hyun Sooyeob of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) visited Daegu Metropolitan City on Thursday, June 11, at 1 p.m. to review the city’s policies to prevent lonely deaths and hear firsthand from frontline workers.

The visit was organized to examine local government-led efforts to prevent lonely deaths using senior employment programs and artificial intelligence (AI), and to commend community members working to identify and support households at risk.

To prevent lonely deaths, Daegu Metropolitan City operates a range of community safety nets, including the Joyful Everyday Support Group and the Health Care Group. The city has also established AI-based check-in and monitoring systems, such as the AI Care Call and the 24-hour AI Caregiver, to help detect and respond to signs of crisis.

During the visit, Vice Minister Hyun first visited Daegu City Hall, where she was briefed on the city’s overall lonely death prevention programs. She then visited a household receiving related services.

The resident lives alone, has no family member legally obligated to provide support, and has spinal stenosis and knee osteoarthritis. The resident receives a range of support services, including AI check-in calls twice a month, monitoring for warning signs and health management information through a mobile app, and fall detection and heart-rate monitoring through a smartwatch.

In addition, the Joyful Everyday Support Group, a community safety net operated by Daegu Metropolitan City, visits the household to check on the resident’s well-being, provide information on available welfare services, and deliver donated items.

Vice Minister Hyun observed the Joyful Everyday Support Group’s activities and reviewed the support being provided to the resident. She expressed her appreciation for the members’ dedication and heard about their experiences and challenges they face in the field.

“I am grateful to the private-sector partners who work with local governments to help people in crisis,” Vice Minister Hyun said. “The central government, local governments, and communities must work together to build a seamless social safety net so that no one in need is left behind.”

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