Seoul: The number of drug addicts receiving treatment in South Korea has witnessed a significant rise of 48.7 percent from 2020 to 2024, according to recent data. This increase is primarily attributed to a substantial surge in addiction cases among individuals in their 20s and 30s.
According to Yonhap News Agency, data compiled by the state-run Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) revealed that 828 patients received treatment for drug addiction in 2024, compared to 557 in 2020. The data highlighted a marked increase in younger age groups, with patients aged 20-29 experiencing a 139.1 percent increase, reaching 275 cases in 2024. Similarly, those aged 30-39 saw an 89 percent rise, totaling 223 cases.
The statistics further show a gender disparity, with male patients accounting for 606 cases in 2024, while female patients were recorded at 266 cases. However, the rate of increase in addiction treatment was more pronounced among women over the period.
Additionally, the financial cost of treating drug addiction doubled, amounting to approximately 1 billion won (US$67,340) from 2020 to 2024, as reported by HIRA.
Source: Yonhap News Agency