Aging in South Korea: the first penguin of the fastest aging nations

South Korea is experiencing the world's most rapid demographic transition, having officially become a super-aged society in December 2024, with individuals aged 65 and older exceeding 20% of the total population. This shift-driven by record-low fertility rates and increasing life expectancy-presents unprecedented socioeconomic and policy challenges. This spotlight provides a critical overview of Korea's demographic shift and reviews 5 key issues related to population aging: (a) pensions and social insurance, (b) healthcare and caregiving, (c) employment and retention of older workers, (d) poverty and quality of life, and (e) social vulnerabilities and regional disparities. Future efforts should frame population aging as a sustained governing agenda anchored in prevention, shock resilience, and evidence-to-policy collaboration. Key priorities include strengthening pension sustainability and adequacy, scaling equitable long-term care and dementia-related supports, improving the quality and opportunities of late-life employment, and mitigating social isolation, ageism, and regional service gaps.