(EDITORIAL from Korea Herald on June 26) (opens original article in a new tab)

Seoul's transit reform and discussions on raising senior age thresholds reflect broader societal debates on redefining aging in South Korea's superaged society.

• Seoul's transit reform introduces bus fare support for those 70 and older, with discussions to raise free subway ride eligibility from 65 to 70
• The Senior Welfare Act's 65 age threshold was set in 1981 when life expectancy was 66.7 years, now 83.7 years
• South Korea's elderly population is over 20% and projected to reach 25.5% by 2030, prompting reevaluation of aging definitions
• Local governments are experimenting with phased eligibility age increases while national reform remains stalled
• National policy must address retirement age, reemployment, and welfare programs to avoid shifting costs to households
• The debate aims to create institutions reflecting longer lives and changing work patterns in a superaged society