By Kamille Q. Cabreza
South Korea is intensifying its public health strategies following a modest uptick in COVID-19 cases, aiming to prevent a broader resurgence as the nation continues its transition to endemic management.
Cases remain stable despite slight rise
Health authorities reported approximately 30 new daily cases in mid-May, coinciding with the easing of certain restrictions, according to a report from Exemplars.
Despite this increase, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) maintains that infection levels remain stable.
During the 20th week of 2025, which ran from May 11 to May 17, 100 patients were admitted to 221 monitored hospitals with COVID-19, which was a decrease from the week before.
The weekly total has stayed mostly constant recently: 127 in week 17, 115 in week 18, and 146 in week 19, as cited by the Korea JoongAng Daily.
Those 65 and over made up 59.3% of all COVID-19 inpatients, or 1,376 patients, despite the fact that overall hospitalisations are stable.
This highlights the vulnerability of senior residents.
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Government bolsters vaccination drive
In response to recent case numbers, the government is reinforcing its vaccination campaign.
The KDCA recommends that adults receive a single dose of the 2024-25 season COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of prior vaccination history, to bolster waning immunity.
Two doses of the vaccination spaced six months apart may be necessary for adults 65 years of age and older as well as moderately or severely immunocompromised people who are at high risk of contracting COVID-19.
Therefore, it is advised that these people speak with a medical expert on the potential need for several doses, as noted by PubMed Central.
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Homegrown vaccine marks milestone
South Korea has approved its first domestically developed COVID-19 vaccine, SKYCovione™, produced by SK bioscience to support these efforts.
A joint phase III clinical trial of the vaccine was carried out by the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) and SK bioscience in six countries: Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand, Ukraine, the Philippines, and South Korea, involving 4,037 individuals.
Together with the KDCA’s National Institute of Health, IVI examined clinical samples from the experiment to assess the vaccine’s effectiveness.
IVI will collaborate with SK bioscience to apply for the vaccine’s emergency-use listing with the World Health Organization (WHO) to help guarantee its widespread use now that it has been licensed for use.
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Public awareness campaign underway
A public health campaign has also been started by the KDCA to promote immunisation and adherence to preventive measures.
As the nation negotiates the ongoing difficulties of the post-pandemic era, this campaign seeks to maintain public knowledge and compliance.
Health officials advise continued vigilance despite the current crisis being under control.
To reduce the chance of a wider outbreak, the public is urged to take part in immunisation campaigns and follow advised health precautions.
As South Korea keeps a careful eye on the situation, the government’s proactive initiative demonstrates its dedication to protecting public health while working towards normalcy and a safe transition.
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