Survey Shows South Koreans Favor Pain-Free Death and Support Right-to-Die Measures

South Korean adults predominantly define a “good death” as one free from physical pain. (Image courtesy of Korea Bizwire)

SEOUL, Feb. 24 (Korea Bizwire) — A comprehensive survey has revealed that South Korean adults predominantly define a “good death” as one free from physical pain and that doesn’t burden family members with prolonged caregiving responsibilities.

The study, conducted by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA), found that nine out of 10 respondents would choose to discontinue life-sustaining treatment if they became terminally ill, while more than 80% supported the legalization of physician-assisted death.

The findings, detailed in a report titled “Trends and Tasks in Well-Dying Discussion for Future Society,” were based on responses from 1,021 adults surveyed in April and May of last year.

When asked about factors contributing to a “good death,” an overwhelming 97% of respondents rated “minimal physical pain at the time of death” as important. This emerged as the single most crucial factor, with 20.1% of respondents ranking it as their top priority. 

Other significant considerations included “avoiding prolonged caregiving burden on family” (18.5%) and “minimizing financial strain on family during care” (17.5%). Psychological preparation for death was cited by 10.9% of respondents. Notably, only 5.8% prioritized having close family and friends present at the time of death. 

These attitudes toward death corresponded with strong support for palliative care and end-of-life options. The survey found that 81.1% of respondents would consider using hospice or palliative care services. Additionally, 91.9% indicated they would opt to discontinue life-sustaining treatment if terminally ill, citing reasons such as “life without recovery prospects lacks meaning” (68.3%) and “desire to avoid burdening family” (56.9%). 

On the issue of physician-assisted death, which allows terminally ill patients in severe pain to self-administer physician-prepared medications to end their lives, 82% expressed support. Proponents cited the futility of continuing meaningless treatment (41.2%), the right to determine one’s own death (27.3%), and the ability to reduce suffering (19%). 

When asked about essential services for preparing for a good death, respondents prioritized “pain management in end-of-life care” (62.7%) and “treatment cost support for end-of-life patients” (56.8%). 

The researchers identified “pain management” and “respect for self-determination” as key themes emerging from their literature review, survey results, and expert consultations. They recommended expanding efforts to identify patients in pain management blind spots, improving awareness of hospice care, broadening the scope of life-sustaining treatment discontinuation, and increasing education about well-dying across different life stages.

M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)