In South Korea, infections involving carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE)—often called “superbugs”—surged nearly five times over a recent seven-year period, triggering calls for heightened infection control centered on older adults, according to data from the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee released on October 18.
According to data submitted to Representative Han Ji-a’s office by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), reported CRE patients climbed from 655 in 2018 to 3,292 in 2025. Total CRE infection reports across the country grew from 11,954 cases in 2018 to 49,053 cases in 2025.
Vulnerable populations, particularly seniors in long-term care settings, bear the brunt of the increase. KDCA figures show that patients aged 70 and older accounted for 34,121 cases, or 69.6%, of all CRE reports last year.
Geographically, Seoul recorded the highest CRE report rate per 100,000 residents in 2025 at 134.75 cases. Incheon followed with 128.01 cases, Busan with 103.59 cases, Gyeonggi Province with 98.19 cases, and North Jeolla Province with 94.41 cases.
Antibiotic Consumption Trends and Government Response
The spread of CRE coincides with a rebound in national antibiotic usage. KDCA data indicates that total antibiotic consumption dropped from 29.8 DID (defined daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants per day) in 2018 to 19.5 DID in 2021 before climbing again. Consumption reached 25.7 DID in 2022, 31.8 DID in 2023, and 33.6 DID in 2024.
Under its third national antimicrobial resistance management plan, the South Korean government aims to reduce antibiotic consumption to 28.6 DID by 2030, which requires a 14.9% reduction compared to 2024 levels. To optimize usage, the KDCA launched an Antibiotic Stewardship Program (ASP) pilot project in 2024. The initiative currently targets 170 general and tertiary hospitals with more than 300 beds that meet mandatory staffing criteria. The agency plans to expand ASP to all general hospitals and build community-based networks.
Criticism Over Response Speed and Upcoming Containment Strategies
Lawmakers argue that the current timeline is too slow to match conditions on the ground.
To curb the spread, the KDCA is pursuing stricter infection controls, including high-risk group screening, patient isolation, and contact precautions. The agency’s 2026 CRE reduction strategies outline targeted screenings for high-risk demographics across medical institutions alongside enhanced infection control training.
Worth a look