KARP and Age Platform Korea Host “TaoReum Talk Concert” - on World Human Rights Day and Senior Rights in Korea

The Korean Association of Retired Persons (KARP, President Juch Myong-Yong) and the Age Platform Korea hosted the “TaoReum Talk Concert” on December 9 at the KARP auditorium in Gwangjang-dong, Seoul, under the theme “World Human Rights Day and Senior Human Rights in Korea.” 

Held on the eve of World Human Rights Day (December 10), the event drew an audience of more than one hundred senior members, filling the venue and demonstrating strong interest in the topic. Participants listened closely as the lecture addressed the current state of human rights in Korea, the structural challenges facing older adults, and the direction the senior generation should pursue.

KARP Senior Fellow Lee Seok-Koo, who delivered the keynote presentation, began by outlining the core principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) adopted by the United Nations in 1948. Citing Article 1 — “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” — he explained the historical significance of the declaration and the structure of its 30 articles.

He emphasized that the UDHR established global standards for human rights and served as the foundation for constitutional and institutional development across nations. “Senior human rights must also be understood within this universal framework,” he noted.

Lee then examined Korea’s senior human rights landscape using the five key elements commonly assessed by the UN, WHO, and OECD: income security, health and long-term care, social participation, digital access, and dignity and non-discrimination.

One of the most alarming indicators, he pointed out, is Korea’s elderly poverty rate — the highest among OECD countries, exceeding 40 percent. While certain areas, such as long-term care services, operate at an advanced level, poverty, discrimination, and digital inequality remain deeply concerning.

“Korea may be an economic powerhouse, but in terms of ensuring a dignified life for seniors, we still have a long way to go,” he observed.

In the second half of the lecture, Lee highlighted “the path forward” and underscored the need for active senior participation. He distilled his recommendations into four key directions:

▶Participation — Self-expression and self-advocacy

▶Expanded employment and social involvement — “Nothing changes unless we raise our voices.”

▶Strengthening roles in legislation, policy, education, media, and international cooperation — Elevating senior rights as a public agenda

▶A dignified and adaptive later life — Securing rights and competencies in the digital era

“Human rights are not something others protect on our behalf,” he concluded. “They are something we must build and defend ourselves.”

Throughout the session, the audience responded with frequent nods, and an active Q&A followed.

Mr. Kim (72) commented, “I never realized how directly the Universal Declaration of Human Rights relates to our everyday lives. We need to speak out more about elderly poverty and discrimination.”

Another attendee remarked, “The discussion on digital access struck a chord. Being unable to use a smartphone should not become a barrier to public services — that is a clear form of discrimination.”

KARP announced that it plans to continue the “TaoReum Talk Concert” as an annual program dedicated to improving awareness of senior human rights.

A KARP representative stated, “Senior issues remain in the blind spots of Korean society. We will continue to lead efforts to help seniors claim their rights and to shift social perceptions through lectures, discussions, and public campaigns.”