Gwangjin District Uses AI to Prevent Solitary Deaths Among Single-Person Households

Strengthening Door Opening Detection Devices and Smart Care Services

Gwangjin District in Seoul (Mayor Kim Kyungho) is taking the lead in preventing solitary deaths among single-person households by utilizing artificial intelligence technology.

The district has been selected for the "2025 Smart Welfare and Safety Service Improvement Model Development Support Project" organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. With an investment of 12 million won, the district will install door opening detection devices in 300 high-risk households for solitary death in the area and strengthen preventive measures.

Kim Kyungho, Mayor of Gwangjin District Office. Provided by Gwangjin District Office.

The door opening detection device attaches a sensor to the entrance door, and if the door is not opened for a certain period, the local community center will automatically visit to check on the resident, enabling a swift response to crisis situations. This project will be implemented in 15 to 30 households in each of the 15 neighborhoods during August and September. By incorporating artificial intelligence technology, recipients can receive check-ins without discomfort, instead of phone calls.

In addition, since August, a smart care platform dispatch service has also been launched. Through the app, daily activities such as step count and messages are monitored, and if there is no movement or no incoming or outgoing call records for over 48 hours, KT Telecop will immediately dispatch personnel to ensure the safety of at-risk individuals even on weekends and holidays.

Gwangjin District also operates an Isolation Prevention Council. In June, ten organizations including the district office, police station, and comprehensive social welfare center gathered to identify households at risk of isolation and discuss cooperation measures, thereby building a social safety net through public-private collaboration.

Kim Kyungho, Mayor of Gwangjin District, stated, "Solitary death is no longer just an individual's problem; it is a pressing issue of our time that all members of society must work together to address and resolve," adding, "We will continue to work hand in hand with the local community to prevent solitary deaths and establish a systematic safety net."