Abstract

As South Korea faces a rising incidence of solitary deaths, particularly among older adults, attention has turned to artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential tool for early detection, emotional support, and care outreach. This paper examined the emergence and effectiveness of three representative AI care platforms—Naver’s CLOVA Carecall, KT’s AI Care Speaker, and SK Telecom’s NUGU Carecall—in mitigating risks associated with social isolation and unattended death. Through an analysis of their operational mechanisms, reported outcomes, and integration with local welfare systems, this study highlights the promise of AI in supplementing overstretched human care services. However, it also identifies significant challenges, including technological limitations, ethical concerns, privacy risks, and disparities in digital access. Drawing on these findings, this paper proposed a hybrid AI–human care model emphasizing integration, community engagement, and policy reform. It concludes by calling for a long-term, ethically grounded strategy that aligns technological innovation with South Korea’s demographic realities and cultural values, aiming not only to prevent solitary death, but also to restore dignity and connection in an aging society.