Gangnam-gu Utilizes AI Check-ins to Prevent Solitary Deaths During Lunar New Year Holiday

Combining AI Technology and Community Support for the Long Holiday
Special Welfare Checks for 2,372 Vulnerable Households

Gangnam-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Jo Seong-myeong) announced on the 22nd that it will conduct special welfare checks on 2,372 households at risk of solitary death during the Lunar New Year holiday period. This initiative activates a welfare network that combines artificial intelligence (AI) technology with community participation to address potential care gaps during this time.

Residents of Gaepo 3-dong visiting vulnerable groups during Chuseok last September. Provided by Gangnam-gu.

The district usually uses an AI and voice-based welfare check system to monitor households at risk of solitary death. When the control center detects signs of crisis, the local officer directly conducts additional welfare checks via phone calls or visits to respond promptly.

However, during long holiday periods like this Lunar New Year, there can be response gaps due to shortages of personnel and resources at community centers when abnormal signs appear. To address this, the district plans to receive data directly from the control center to quickly identify abnormal signs and form a special welfare check team of about 50 honorary social welfare officers from the local community to provide on-site response.

Every morning during the holiday period, the smart welfare check service will monitor the status of 2,372 households. After receiving results from the control center, the district will identify those showing abnormal signs and notify the special welfare check team, who will promptly assess the situation through phone consultations or direct visits. If an emergency is detected, they will immediately coordinate with medical and welfare resources to respond, serving as a practical safety net.

District Mayor Jo Seong-myeong stated, “This is a public-private cooperation case that combines digital technology and community collaboration to eliminate blind spots in welfare.” He added, “This special welfare check will play an important role in establishing a dense welfare system where everyone can feel secure, as a human safety net created together by local residents.”