Korea can lead in AI for older people, UN expert says

South Korea's dual reality of rapid technological advancement and a swiftly aging population presents a unique opportunity for the nation to lead in age-inclusive AI development. The UN expert's call for Korea to prioritize a "rights before scale" approach is critical, especially as the country officially became a super-aged society in late 2024. This means embedding human review in essential AI-powered services and involving older persons from the initial design phase, rather than as an afterthought. Failing to do so risks exacerbating digital exclusion and embedding age-based biases at scale, which would be difficult to reverse once AI systems become routine gateways to public services. The implications for Asia are significant. As other Asian economies also grapple with aging demographics, Korea's experience, both successes and failures, will offer a vital blueprint. The emphasis on legal protections, independent oversight, and public understanding alongside technological development is a model for responsible AI deployment across the region. This approach could shape how AI is integrated into healthcare, long-term care, and social protection systems, ensuring that technology genuinely serves to improve lives rather than create new forms of inequality for older populations.