As Korea ages, reports of elder abuse increase
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Amid Korea's accelerating demographic shift toward an aging society, cases of elder abuse are alarmingly on the rise. A significant majority, nearly 60 percent, of identified perpetrators are victims' spouses or sons, reflecting deeply entrenched family dynamics. As these incidents grow, the average age of abusers is also increasing, highlighting a complex social challenge.
According to a report from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Friday, a total of 22,746 reports were filed through 38 regional senior protection agencies nationwide last year. Of these, 7,167 cases, or 31.5 percent, were officially confirmed as elder abuse.
The number of abuse cases has steadily increased over the past four years, from 6,259 cases in 2020 to 7,167 in 2024, marking a 14.5 percent rise during the period.
Of the confirmed abuse cases last year, 88.2 percent, or 6,323 incidents, occurred at home, while 647 took place in care facilities. Compared to the previous year, abuse in home settings rose by 4 percent, while cases reported in facilities declined by 4.7 percent.
Physical abuse accounted for the largest share at 43.9 percent, closely followed by emotional abuse at 43.8 percent, while neglect made up 5.6 percent of cases.
By age group, victims in their 70s accounted for the largest share of abuse cases at 41.6 percent, followed by those in their 80s at 27.5 percent, and individuals in their 60s at 25.3 percent.
Notably, seniors aged 75 and older accounted for 53 percent of all cases, or 3,796 incidents, up 4.5 percent from 2020.
As the country’s population ages, so too does the profile of abusers. Perpetrators aged 70 and older accounted for 34.7 percent of cases, an increase from 30.4 percent in 2020.
Spouses were the most common perpetrators of senior abuse, accounting for 38.7 percent of cases, followed by sons at 26.4 percent.
The health ministry attributed the rise in spousal abuse to shifting household dynamics, noting that more elderly couples are now living alone rather than with their children — a change that often heightens caregiving burdens and emotional strain between spouses.