1.Digital therapeutics in Korea: current status, challenges, and future directions – a narrative review
Hee Jun SHIN ; Ik Tae CHO ; Wan Suk CHOI ; Hong Rae KIM ; Min Bong KANG ; Won Jong YANG
Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science 2025;42(1):8-
Digital therapeutics (DTx) are emerging as a transformative innovation in healthcare offering evidence-based digital interventions for the treatment, management, and prevention of various diseases and disorders. In Korea, DTx have gained significant attention as potential solutions to the increasing burden of chronic diseases and mental health conditions. However, the Korean DTx market faces several challenges that hinder its widespread adoption and integration into the national healthcare system. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the DTx market in Korea, identifies the key challenges impeding its growth, and proposes strategies for overcoming these obstacles. This study utilized a literature review and market analysis approach to examine the latest research, industry reports, and regulatory documents related to DTx. The analysis focused on three primary areas: (1) the current regulatory landscape, (2) technological advancements and challenges, and (3) economic and commercial factors influencing DTx adoption in Korea. A comparative analysis of global regulatory practices was also conducted to identify best practices. The findings revealed that while Korea has made significant strides in supporting DTx development, the market remains in its early stages. The key challenges include underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, issues with data quality and security, and a lack of established reimbursement pathways. We recommend developing tailored regulatory frameworks for DTx, enhancing policy support for small and medium-sized enterprises involved in DTx development, and increasing investments in technological infrastructure. By addressing these challenges, Korea could position itself as a leader in the global DTx market, delivering innovative and effective treatments to enhance patient care and outcomes.
2.Digital therapeutics in Korea: current status, challenges, and future directions – a narrative review
Hee Jun SHIN ; Ik Tae CHO ; Wan Suk CHOI ; Hong Rae KIM ; Min Bong KANG ; Won Jong YANG
Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science 2025;42(1):8-
Digital therapeutics (DTx) are emerging as a transformative innovation in healthcare offering evidence-based digital interventions for the treatment, management, and prevention of various diseases and disorders. In Korea, DTx have gained significant attention as potential solutions to the increasing burden of chronic diseases and mental health conditions. However, the Korean DTx market faces several challenges that hinder its widespread adoption and integration into the national healthcare system. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the DTx market in Korea, identifies the key challenges impeding its growth, and proposes strategies for overcoming these obstacles. This study utilized a literature review and market analysis approach to examine the latest research, industry reports, and regulatory documents related to DTx. The analysis focused on three primary areas: (1) the current regulatory landscape, (2) technological advancements and challenges, and (3) economic and commercial factors influencing DTx adoption in Korea. A comparative analysis of global regulatory practices was also conducted to identify best practices. The findings revealed that while Korea has made significant strides in supporting DTx development, the market remains in its early stages. The key challenges include underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, issues with data quality and security, and a lack of established reimbursement pathways. We recommend developing tailored regulatory frameworks for DTx, enhancing policy support for small and medium-sized enterprises involved in DTx development, and increasing investments in technological infrastructure. By addressing these challenges, Korea could position itself as a leader in the global DTx market, delivering innovative and effective treatments to enhance patient care and outcomes.
3.Digital therapeutics in Korea: current status, challenges, and future directions – a narrative review
Hee Jun SHIN ; Ik Tae CHO ; Wan Suk CHOI ; Hong Rae KIM ; Min Bong KANG ; Won Jong YANG
Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science 2025;42(1):8-
Digital therapeutics (DTx) are emerging as a transformative innovation in healthcare offering evidence-based digital interventions for the treatment, management, and prevention of various diseases and disorders. In Korea, DTx have gained significant attention as potential solutions to the increasing burden of chronic diseases and mental health conditions. However, the Korean DTx market faces several challenges that hinder its widespread adoption and integration into the national healthcare system. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the DTx market in Korea, identifies the key challenges impeding its growth, and proposes strategies for overcoming these obstacles. This study utilized a literature review and market analysis approach to examine the latest research, industry reports, and regulatory documents related to DTx. The analysis focused on three primary areas: (1) the current regulatory landscape, (2) technological advancements and challenges, and (3) economic and commercial factors influencing DTx adoption in Korea. A comparative analysis of global regulatory practices was also conducted to identify best practices. The findings revealed that while Korea has made significant strides in supporting DTx development, the market remains in its early stages. The key challenges include underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, issues with data quality and security, and a lack of established reimbursement pathways. We recommend developing tailored regulatory frameworks for DTx, enhancing policy support for small and medium-sized enterprises involved in DTx development, and increasing investments in technological infrastructure. By addressing these challenges, Korea could position itself as a leader in the global DTx market, delivering innovative and effective treatments to enhance patient care and outcomes.
4.Digital therapeutics in Korea: current status, challenges, and future directions – a narrative review
Hee Jun SHIN ; Ik Tae CHO ; Wan Suk CHOI ; Hong Rae KIM ; Min Bong KANG ; Won Jong YANG
Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science 2025;42(1):8-
Digital therapeutics (DTx) are emerging as a transformative innovation in healthcare offering evidence-based digital interventions for the treatment, management, and prevention of various diseases and disorders. In Korea, DTx have gained significant attention as potential solutions to the increasing burden of chronic diseases and mental health conditions. However, the Korean DTx market faces several challenges that hinder its widespread adoption and integration into the national healthcare system. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of the DTx market in Korea, identifies the key challenges impeding its growth, and proposes strategies for overcoming these obstacles. This study utilized a literature review and market analysis approach to examine the latest research, industry reports, and regulatory documents related to DTx. The analysis focused on three primary areas: (1) the current regulatory landscape, (2) technological advancements and challenges, and (3) economic and commercial factors influencing DTx adoption in Korea. A comparative analysis of global regulatory practices was also conducted to identify best practices. The findings revealed that while Korea has made significant strides in supporting DTx development, the market remains in its early stages. The key challenges include underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, issues with data quality and security, and a lack of established reimbursement pathways. We recommend developing tailored regulatory frameworks for DTx, enhancing policy support for small and medium-sized enterprises involved in DTx development, and increasing investments in technological infrastructure. By addressing these challenges, Korea could position itself as a leader in the global DTx market, delivering innovative and effective treatments to enhance patient care and outcomes.
5.Evaluating the Longitudinal Efficacy of Suicide CARE (a Korean Standard Gatekeeper Training Program) in a General Community Sample: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Jinmi SEOL ; Hwa-Young LEE ; Sang Min LEE ; Seon Wan KI ; Sung Joon CHO ; Kang Seob OH ; Jong-Woo PAIK
Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(12):1329-1337
Objective:
Suicide poses a significant public health concern with increasing prevalence in the general population, emphasizing the need for effective gatekeeper suicide prevention education. This study assesses the longitudinal effectiveness of the “Suicide CARE” gatekeeper training program within a general community sample. Suicide CARE is representative gatekeeper program in Korea. A total of 5 million individuals completed the training program of Suicide CARE in Korea to date.
Methods:
Participants were recruited through the Korea Suicide Prevention Association website, randomly assigned to the experimental (n=49) or control group (n=53). Pre- and post-training surveys, along with a 3-month follow-up, measured perceived knowledge, gatekeeper efficacy, preparedness, and attitudes toward suicide. Longitudinal effects were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results:
The experimental group showed significant improvement in perceived knowledge, gatekeeper efficacy, perceived preparedness, and some aspects of attitude towards suicide compared to the control group, with effects declining over time but remaining statistically significant at the 3-month follow-up test.
Conclusion
This study is the first to evaluate the longitudinal effectiveness of Suicide CARE in a community population. Strategic integration of evidence-based gatekeeper training programs like Suicide CARE can contribute to community suicide prevention initiatives.
6.Evaluating the Longitudinal Efficacy of Suicide CARE (a Korean Standard Gatekeeper Training Program) in a General Community Sample: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Jinmi SEOL ; Hwa-Young LEE ; Sang Min LEE ; Seon Wan KI ; Sung Joon CHO ; Kang Seob OH ; Jong-Woo PAIK
Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(12):1329-1337
Objective:
Suicide poses a significant public health concern with increasing prevalence in the general population, emphasizing the need for effective gatekeeper suicide prevention education. This study assesses the longitudinal effectiveness of the “Suicide CARE” gatekeeper training program within a general community sample. Suicide CARE is representative gatekeeper program in Korea. A total of 5 million individuals completed the training program of Suicide CARE in Korea to date.
Methods:
Participants were recruited through the Korea Suicide Prevention Association website, randomly assigned to the experimental (n=49) or control group (n=53). Pre- and post-training surveys, along with a 3-month follow-up, measured perceived knowledge, gatekeeper efficacy, preparedness, and attitudes toward suicide. Longitudinal effects were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results:
The experimental group showed significant improvement in perceived knowledge, gatekeeper efficacy, perceived preparedness, and some aspects of attitude towards suicide compared to the control group, with effects declining over time but remaining statistically significant at the 3-month follow-up test.
Conclusion
This study is the first to evaluate the longitudinal effectiveness of Suicide CARE in a community population. Strategic integration of evidence-based gatekeeper training programs like Suicide CARE can contribute to community suicide prevention initiatives.
7.Evaluating the Longitudinal Efficacy of Suicide CARE (a Korean Standard Gatekeeper Training Program) in a General Community Sample: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Jinmi SEOL ; Hwa-Young LEE ; Sang Min LEE ; Seon Wan KI ; Sung Joon CHO ; Kang Seob OH ; Jong-Woo PAIK
Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(12):1329-1337
Objective:
Suicide poses a significant public health concern with increasing prevalence in the general population, emphasizing the need for effective gatekeeper suicide prevention education. This study assesses the longitudinal effectiveness of the “Suicide CARE” gatekeeper training program within a general community sample. Suicide CARE is representative gatekeeper program in Korea. A total of 5 million individuals completed the training program of Suicide CARE in Korea to date.
Methods:
Participants were recruited through the Korea Suicide Prevention Association website, randomly assigned to the experimental (n=49) or control group (n=53). Pre- and post-training surveys, along with a 3-month follow-up, measured perceived knowledge, gatekeeper efficacy, preparedness, and attitudes toward suicide. Longitudinal effects were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results:
The experimental group showed significant improvement in perceived knowledge, gatekeeper efficacy, perceived preparedness, and some aspects of attitude towards suicide compared to the control group, with effects declining over time but remaining statistically significant at the 3-month follow-up test.
Conclusion
This study is the first to evaluate the longitudinal effectiveness of Suicide CARE in a community population. Strategic integration of evidence-based gatekeeper training programs like Suicide CARE can contribute to community suicide prevention initiatives.
8.Evaluating the Longitudinal Efficacy of Suicide CARE (a Korean Standard Gatekeeper Training Program) in a General Community Sample: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Jinmi SEOL ; Hwa-Young LEE ; Sang Min LEE ; Seon Wan KI ; Sung Joon CHO ; Kang Seob OH ; Jong-Woo PAIK
Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(12):1329-1337
Objective:
Suicide poses a significant public health concern with increasing prevalence in the general population, emphasizing the need for effective gatekeeper suicide prevention education. This study assesses the longitudinal effectiveness of the “Suicide CARE” gatekeeper training program within a general community sample. Suicide CARE is representative gatekeeper program in Korea. A total of 5 million individuals completed the training program of Suicide CARE in Korea to date.
Methods:
Participants were recruited through the Korea Suicide Prevention Association website, randomly assigned to the experimental (n=49) or control group (n=53). Pre- and post-training surveys, along with a 3-month follow-up, measured perceived knowledge, gatekeeper efficacy, preparedness, and attitudes toward suicide. Longitudinal effects were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results:
The experimental group showed significant improvement in perceived knowledge, gatekeeper efficacy, perceived preparedness, and some aspects of attitude towards suicide compared to the control group, with effects declining over time but remaining statistically significant at the 3-month follow-up test.
Conclusion
This study is the first to evaluate the longitudinal effectiveness of Suicide CARE in a community population. Strategic integration of evidence-based gatekeeper training programs like Suicide CARE can contribute to community suicide prevention initiatives.
9.Evaluating the Longitudinal Efficacy of Suicide CARE (a Korean Standard Gatekeeper Training Program) in a General Community Sample: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Jinmi SEOL ; Hwa-Young LEE ; Sang Min LEE ; Seon Wan KI ; Sung Joon CHO ; Kang Seob OH ; Jong-Woo PAIK
Psychiatry Investigation 2024;21(12):1329-1337
Objective:
Suicide poses a significant public health concern with increasing prevalence in the general population, emphasizing the need for effective gatekeeper suicide prevention education. This study assesses the longitudinal effectiveness of the “Suicide CARE” gatekeeper training program within a general community sample. Suicide CARE is representative gatekeeper program in Korea. A total of 5 million individuals completed the training program of Suicide CARE in Korea to date.
Methods:
Participants were recruited through the Korea Suicide Prevention Association website, randomly assigned to the experimental (n=49) or control group (n=53). Pre- and post-training surveys, along with a 3-month follow-up, measured perceived knowledge, gatekeeper efficacy, preparedness, and attitudes toward suicide. Longitudinal effects were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance.
Results:
The experimental group showed significant improvement in perceived knowledge, gatekeeper efficacy, perceived preparedness, and some aspects of attitude towards suicide compared to the control group, with effects declining over time but remaining statistically significant at the 3-month follow-up test.
Conclusion
This study is the first to evaluate the longitudinal effectiveness of Suicide CARE in a community population. Strategic integration of evidence-based gatekeeper training programs like Suicide CARE can contribute to community suicide prevention initiatives.
10.Lazertinib versus Gefitinib as First-Line Treatment for EGFR-mutated Locally Advanced or Metastatic NSCLC: LASER301 Korean Subset
Ki Hyeong LEE ; Byoung Chul CHO ; Myung-Ju AHN ; Yun-Gyoo LEE ; Youngjoo LEE ; Jong-Seok LEE ; Joo-Hang KIM ; Young Joo MIN ; Gyeong-Won LEE ; Sung Sook LEE ; Kyung-Hee LEE ; Yoon Ho KO ; Byoung Yong SHIM ; Sang-We KIM ; Sang Won SHIN ; Jin-Hyuk CHOI ; Dong-Wan KIM ; Eun Kyung CHO ; Keon Uk PARK ; Jin-Soo KIM ; Sang Hoon CHUN ; Jangyoung WANG ; SeokYoung CHOI ; Jin Hyoung KANG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2024;56(1):48-60
Purpose:
This subgroup analysis of the Korean subset of patients in the phase 3 LASER301 trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of lazertinib versus gefitinib as first-line therapy for epidermal growth factor receptor mutated (EGFRm) non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Materials and Methods:
Patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFRm NSCLC were randomized 1:1 to lazertinib (240 mg/day) or gefitinib (250 mg/day). The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS).
Results:
In total, 172 Korean patients were enrolled (lazertinib, n=87; gefitinib, n=85). Baseline characteristics were balanced between the treatment groups. One-third of patients had brain metastases (BM) at baseline. Median PFS was 20.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.7 to 26.1) for lazertinib and 9.6 months (95% CI, 8.2 to 12.3) for gefitinib (hazard ratio [HR], 0.41; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.60). This was supported by PFS analysis based on blinded independent central review. Significant PFS benefit with lazertinib was consistently observed across predefined subgroups, including patients with BM (HR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.15 to 0.53) and those with L858R mutations (HR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.63). Lazertinib safety data were consistent with its previously reported safety profile. Common adverse events (AEs) in both groups included rash, pruritus, and diarrhoea. Numerically fewer severe AEs and severe treatment–related AEs occurred with lazertinib than gefitinib.
Conclusion
Consistent with results for the overall LASER301 population, this analysis showed significant PFS benefit with lazertinib versus gefitinib with comparable safety in Korean patients with untreated EGFRm NSCLC, supporting lazertinib as a new potential treatment option for this patient population.

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