Broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon says he gets tested every 6 months as KDCA works to dispel HIV myths

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency again stressed that regular HIV testing is a responsible health practice — not just for oneself but for others — after broadcaster Hong Seok-cheon said he gets blood and urine tests every six months to a year. The KDCA used the occasion to explain the difference between HIV and AIDS, how the virus spreads and how to prevent infection, urging the public to seek accurate information.

Yu Jeong-hee, head of the KDCA's AIDS Management Division, appeared on Hong's YouTube channel "Hong Seok-cheon's Jewelry Box" to address common misconceptions about HIV and outline the government's prevention support policies.

"I get blood and urine tests about once every six months to a year," Hong said. "When the results come back clear, I can go about the next six months feeling at ease." He added that regular testing is a responsible act toward both oneself and one's partners.

Yu began by correcting the widespread misconception that HIV and AIDS are the same thing.

HIV is the virus that attacks the body's immune cells, while AIDS refers to the condition in which HIV infection has severely weakened immune function, leaving the body vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain diseases. Not everyone infected with HIV progresses to AIDS; an early diagnosis followed by prompt treatment can preserve immune function and allow a person to maintain a normal daily life.

"Treatment has advanced significantly, and HIV is now a manageable condition — if you consistently take your medication, you can live a healthy life to an average lifespan," Yu said.

New HIV infections in South Korea have declined somewhat but still number around 1,000 cases a year. According to the KDCA's 2024 HIV/AIDS Notification Status Annual Report, 975 new infections were recorded last year, down 3 percent from the previous year. By age group, people in their 30s accounted for the largest share, followed by those in their 20s and 40s.

Among cases where the transmission route was identified, the vast majority involved sexual contact. Of 503 respondents, 502 — or 99.8 percent — said they were infected through sexual contact.

Yu said on the program that "the main transmission routes are sexual contact and sharing needles for drug injection," adding that "this is not a disease limited to any particular gender or sexual orientation — anyone can be infected, which is why avoiding unsafe sexual contact is the most important preventive step."

The KDCA has also expanded its nationwide pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) support project for people at high risk of infection. PrEP involves HIV-negative individuals taking a preventive medication consistently to reduce their risk; taking one pill a day is known to cut the risk of infection by more than 90 percent.

However, experts stress that PrEP must be prescribed only after a medical consultation and the necessary tests.

"Before starting the medication, you must undergo HIV testing and kidney function tests and receive a prescription from a medical professional," Yu said. "Purchasing it on your own online can be dangerous."

Financial support is also available to ease the cost burden. Yu noted that PrEP medication costs around 400,000 won ($282) per month, but that government support programs can reduce the cost of both testing and medication. "Investing in prevention is about 10 to 15 times more cost-effective than supporting treatment after infection," she said.

Free, anonymous testing is also available at public health centers nationwide without requiring identification, and those who test positive can be referred to specialized medical institutions and receive counseling services.

Experts say HIV is not a disease that affects only certain people — it is an infectious disease that can strike anyone — making accurate information and prevention more important than ever. Safe sexual practices, regular testing and prompt medical consultation when exposure is suspected are considered the most effective ways to reduce infection.