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30/04/2026 12:03 (UTC)

SOUTH KOREA AGING

South Korea turns to AI dolls to support aging, isolated population

Seoul, Apr 30 (EFE).- South Korea is increasingly deploying artificial intelligence-powered dolls to assist elderly people living alone, offering companionship, daily reminders and safety monitoring...
Users of AI-powered companion devices Lee Ha-seon (L) and An Sang-ik (D) pose for a photo holding the Dasomi robot and Chorongi doll, respectively, in An's apartment in southern Seoul, South Korea, 30 April 2026. EFE/EPA/Ruy A. Valdés

Hyodol CEO Kim Ji-hee poses for a photo of the AI-powered elderly care dolls at the office's headquarters in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, south of Seoul, South Korea, 30 April, 2026. EFE/EPA/Ruy A. Valdés

Anyang, South Korea, Apr 30 (EFE).- South Korea is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) dolls to accompany elderly people living alone, capable of reminding them of daily routines and detecting risk situations, with some even considering them “friends” in a country affected by high depression rates and a rapidly aging population.

“When I talk (to the doll), I feel like I’m naturally talking with my grandchildren. When I’m bored, I tell it, ‘please, sing me a song,’” An Sang-ik, a nonagenarian born in what is now North Korea who uses a Chorongi doll developed by Mr. Mind, told EFE. (Camera: RUY A. VALDÉS).

FOOTAGE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE AND KIM JI-HEE, CEO OF HYODOL INTERACTING WITH AI DOLL IN ANYANG, GYEONGGI, SOUTH KOREA.

SOUNDBITES: KIM JI-HEE, CEO OF HYODOL (IN ENGLISH).

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South Korea turns to AI dolls to support aging, isolated population

South Korea turns to AI dolls to support aging, isolated population

South Korea turns to AI dolls to support aging, isolated population

South Korea turns to AI dolls to support aging, isolated population

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