SEOUL, South Korea — Gout, a crippling form of arthritis traditionally linked to older men, is surging among younger South Koreans, particularly men in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Fueled by shifting dietary habits, this painful condition—most often striking the big toe but also affecting ankles and knees—has emerged as a pressing public health issue.South Korea’s Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service reports a 73 percent rise in gout diagnoses over the past decade, from 308,728 cases in 2014 to 535,100 in 2023. Men accounted for 93 percent of cases in 2023, totaling 496,290 patients.
Healthcare
Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
2025.07.26 14:47