Asan Foundation Holds Academic Symposium to Mark 48th Anniversary

On June 19, the Asan Social Welfare Foundation held an academic symposium at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Jongno-gu, Seoul, inviting academic experts to discuss the theme "Care Crisis, Quality of Life, and the Direction of Social Welfare."

Jung Mongjun, chairman of the Asan Foundation, is giving a greeting at the academic symposium commemorating the 48th anniversary of the foundation's establishment. Photo by Asan Foundation

At this symposium, three out of ten researchers selected for the Asan Foundation's 2024 academic research support program, whose research results were outstanding, gave presentations.

Kim Jimi, professor in the Department of Social Welfare at Kyungnam University, gave a presentation on "Familialization and Defamilialization in the Socialization Process of Child and Elderly Care," addressing the limitations and alternatives of the familistic welfare system, where the burden of care on families is not alleviated despite the expansion of public care services.

Kim Saerom, professor at the College of Medicine at Inje University, presented on "Mapping Healthcare and Care in Areas of Population Decline - A Case Study of Yeongyang-gun, North Gyeongsang Province," discussing the realities and policy directions of integrated care in areas facing population extinction.

Nam Seokin, professor in the Department of Social Welfare at Yonsei University, presented on "The Role of AI Emotional Support Care Robots and the Future of Care in the Era of Digital Transformation," discussing the roles of care robots and the development direction of future care technologies.

After the research presentations, Jung Soyoun, professor in the Department of Social Welfare at Seoul Women's University; Kim Seokho, professor in the Department of Sociology at Seoul National University; Na Jinkyung, professor in the Department of Psychology at Sogang University; and Kim Jinhwan, professor at the Institute of Health and Environment at Seoul National University, participated as discussants and engaged in discussions with the presenters. The session was chaired by Choi Jaesung, professor in the Department of Social Welfare at Yonsei University.

Academic experts are discussing with presenters at the Asan Social Welfare Foundation's 48th Anniversary Symposium. Photo by Asan Social Welfare Foundation

In his greeting, Chairman Jung Mongjun stated, "The issue of care is connected to the value system that has supported our society and can also lead to social conflict, so it is necessary to reconsider care from the perspectives of the nation, local communities, businesses, and families. Elderly care will be effective only when various areas such as healthcare, health management, long-term care, daily life assistance, and housing services are linked and function properly," adding, "Our Asan Foundation will also strive to solve the care challenges facing our society."

Celebrating its 48th anniversary this year, the Asan Foundation has held academic symposiums every year since 1979 on important social issues in Korea.