Global AI Healthcare Investment Surges, Korea's Telemedicine Still Pending

The future is already here, but in a reality where its benefits are not evenly distributed, telemedicine is the key to resolving unequal healthcare access. The 137% increase in telemedicine requests over the past year clearly demonstrates the change the public desperately desires. Amidst the longest working hours in the OECD and a high self-employment rate, hospital visits remain a significant burden for many. For those pressed for time due to childcare, livelihoods, and other commitments, telemedicine has been an essential tool for lowering the barrier to healthcare. Over 11 million uses in the past six years attest to this. While some dismiss telemedicine as a 'failed case' or 'merely a delivery app,' this is an anachronistic viewpoint. Telemedicine is not just about convenience; it is directly linked to the future competitiveness of the AI healthcare industry. Neglecting this field, in which global companies like NVIDIA and Google are actively investing, could lead to national regression. Restricting a service that the majority of the public is satisfied with and has expressed a desire to continue using, through inconsistent policies, is regression, not progress. We must not repeat the precedent of seven telemedicine-related bills being scrapped due to the expiration of the 21st National Assembly's term. The newly inaugurated government must now choose. Will it listen only to the voices of vested interests and remain in the past, or will it prioritize guaranteeing the public's right to healthcare access and move towards the future? While countries like Japan and China enjoy healthcare convenience through telemedicine, we cannot allow our citizens to wander amidst inaccurate information. The legalization of telemedicine is a timely task that can no longer be postponed. The future belongs to those who choose. The beginning of equitably distributed future healthcare must start with the legalization of telemedicine.