"'100-Year-Old Yoo Jae-seok' Still on TV?"... The Future of a Bioartificial Organ Society [Reading Science]

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Recently in the United States, there have been continuous successful cases of transplanting organs produced from immune-deficient genetically modified animals (pigs) into humans. The era of so-called 'bio-artificial organs' is arriving. However, experts point out that since this will significantly impact human life as a whole, thorough review and preparation are necessary.

The '2017 Technology Impact Assessment Report' published by the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Planning and Evaluation vividly describes the potential impact of bio-artificial organs on human life. First, a significant change is expected as human lifespan greatly increases. The United Nations (UN) had already predicted in its 2009 'World Population Ageing Report' that by around 2020, the average human lifespan would reach 100 years, ushering in the era of 'Homo Hundred.'

As bio-artificial organs become commonplace, human healthspan will further extend. Even elderly people will be able to live healthily for many years with physical abilities comparable to young people, free from diseases and disabilities through organ transplantation. Accordingly, the concept and perception of human life itself are expected to change. Until now, it was natural to retire after the 60s and spend a quiet old age, but in a future where bio-artificial organs are widespread, the very concept of 'old age' will change. What if active seniors emerge and actively participate in various social fields? For example, a time could come when figures like Yoo Jae-suk and Kang Ho-dong, who currently dominate TV entertainment, continue their activities even after turning 100.

Values regarding jobs, marriage, child-rearing, and education, especially the parent-child relationship, may be newly established. The existing family system, where parents raise children and children grow up to support their parents, will inevitably undergo major changes. Also, people who regain healthy lives through bio-artificial organs tend to be more positive and proactive in pioneering their lives, grateful for the 'extra' life they have received. Previously, 'being disease-free' was the concept of health, but in the future, 'health' will mean having a 'perfect body' equipped with stronger power, endurance, and physical abilities.

On the other hand, the spread of bio-artificial organs carries a high risk of fostering a 'disregard for life' culture. Currently, people refrain from smoking and drinking and exercise to maintain health. But what if an era comes when a damaged liver from drinking can be easily replaced with a bio-artificial liver? People might become negligent in maintaining health and protecting their bodies. Additionally, an atmosphere of trivializing animals used for bio-artificial organ research or human-derived materials from others is also anticipated.

The era of customized body design will also open. Even now, people can change their appearance, such as their face, through plastic surgery as they wish. In the era of artificial organs, people will be able to change their bodies as much as they want according to their preferences, professional needs, hobbies, or tastes. For example, a photographer might purchase and implant specialized artificial eyes to take better photos, or someone wanting to be a model might receive long arms and legs. A drinking enthusiast might transplant a super liver with high detoxification ability, and someone dissatisfied with their skin color might change their entire skin. Naturally, differences based on economic power will inevitably arise, deepening social conflicts and 'appearance supremacy.' Especially when the divide between having money or not determines whether one loses life or lives longer, extreme conflicts and alienation phenomena may occur. Crimes such as stealing and trading others' organs are also expected.

The report pointed out, "There are concerns that a technology-dependent culture maintaining life through bio-artificial organs will emerge," and "If the technology advances further and the perception that one can enhance bodily functions and extend life whenever desired takes root, it could degenerate into materialism." It added, "If such negative culture spreads, people opposing the distribution of artificial organs will also appear," and "As a result, social acceptance of bio-artificial organ technology may decline, and anti-scientific and anti-technological sentiments may spread, manifesting as social conflicts, so measures are needed to address this."