Core Points - The implementation of the "Life-Sustaining Treatment Decision Act" in South Korea since February 2018 has led to over 3 million adults, approximately 6.8% of the adult population, signing documents to refuse life-sustaining treatment [1][11] - The law allows adults aged 19 and above to voluntarily fill out advance directives to refuse or discontinue life-sustaining treatment, with a significant increase in registrations observed over the years [10][11] - The concept of "dignified death" is gaining acceptance in South Korea, particularly among the elderly, as societal attitudes towards death and dying evolve [5][9] Group 1 - Over 440,000 individuals have terminated life-sustaining treatment based on the law [3] - The number of people signing advance directives surged from about 86,000 in 2018 to over 300,000 by August 2025 [11] - The law outlines specific medical interventions that can be refused, including CPR, dialysis, cancer treatment, and mechanical ventilation [10][11] Group 2 - The aging population in South Korea is a significant factor driving the acceptance of "dignified death," with over 20% of the population aged 65 and above by the end of 2024 [9] - The cultural shift towards accepting death as a natural part of life is reflected in personal stories of individuals choosing to refuse life-sustaining treatments [5][6] - The law has led to a reduction in the number of patients dying in pain due to unnecessary medical interventions [29] Group 3 - There is a notable difference in the acceptance of "dignified death" among elderly women, with 24.9% of women aged 65 and above signing advance directives compared to 17.1% of men [38] - Economic factors play a role in the decision-making process, with lower-income individuals more likely to support "dignified death" due to the financial burden of prolonged medical care [33][34] - Despite the progress, many patients still face challenges in accessing adequate palliative care, particularly those with non-cancerous terminal illnesses [34][35]

Group 1 - The article discusses the controversial topic of euthanasia, particularly in the context of a girl with systemic lupus erythematosus who chose assisted dying in Switzerland, which the author disagrees with [5][38]. - The author emphasizes that the discussion around euthanasia is heavily influenced by the legal environment and the concept of "life rights," questioning whether individuals can relinquish their right to life under pressure [11][12]. - The article highlights the differences in attitudes towards euthanasia in various regions, particularly contrasting liberal areas like California with conservative states in the U.S. where religious beliefs strongly oppose such practices [16][21]. Group 2 - The author notes that the global trend towards aging populations and the financial strain on healthcare systems are significant factors driving the discussion on euthanasia legislation [21][26]. - The article mentions that the UK is nearing the approval of euthanasia legislation, driven by a combination of low religious adherence and financial pressures on the National Health Service (NHS) [22][27]. - The author points out that the implementation of euthanasia laws in countries like the UK is expected to be more stringent than in Switzerland, requiring multiple assessments and self-execution of the procedure [30][40]. Group 3 - The article raises concerns about the potential "slippery slope" effect of euthanasia laws, where the criteria for eligibility could gradually expand beyond terminally ill patients [39][42]. - It discusses the perspective of older physicians who prefer to avoid aggressive medical interventions in favor of a dignified end-of-life process, reflecting a shift in societal attitudes towards the quality of life versus the length of life [44][47]. - The author concludes by emphasizing the unpredictability of life and the importance of making the most of one's time, suggesting that individuals should prioritize their desires and experiences [49][50].