Seoul’s Data-Driven Priority Setting
In the backdrop of an unresolved pandemic, the Education Ministry increases school attendance ahead of schedule in response to new data.
Mental Health Access for Vulnerable Populations
The high rate of mental illness among North Korean refugees suggests that more resources should be directed to other vulnerable communities.
Growing Pushback Against Public Health Measures
Difficulties created by the prolonged pandemic creates tensions between shop owners and public health authorities.
Public Health and Economics at Odds in Korea’s Vaccination Debate
The government faces pressure from the business community to accelerate the vaccine distribution plan despite concerns around the drugs’ potential risks.
Residual Mistrust in the Government Emerges
Even as authorities confirm that there is no link between recent deaths and flu shots, public mistrust of the vaccine program is intensifying.
Korean Medical Reform Plan and Doctors’ Strike
The government’s tendency to not fully consult stakeholders ahead of policy rollouts may have led to Korean doctors going on strike amid a pandemic.
Ongoing Struggle to Address Mental Health
Despite positive public health outcomes, the South Korean public see themselves as less healthy than people in other countries.
A Gap Between Health Experts and Public Health Policy
Controversy around Korea’s most recent initiative to trace COVID cases suggests that important stakeholders were excluded from the policy-making process.
Telemedicine Remains Illegal in South Korea
Despite praise for Korea’s technocratic response to COVID-19, the government has yet to approve telemedicine in the face of opposition from the medical community.
Software Education Contributes to Government’s Response to Coronavirus
Civilian participation in disseminating information on the coronavirus reveals the unintended benefits of public investment in software education.