South Korea expands National Integrated Bio Big Data Project

South Korean government agencies, including the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Ministry of Science and ICT, have announced an expansion of the National Integrated Bio Big Data Project. Previously restricted to individuals undergoing national health examinations, the project is now open to any South Korean citizen aged 19 or older who wishes to participate through designated medical institutions.

The initiative aims to build a massive bio-big data infrastructure consisting of 1 million participants' genomic, clinical, and public data by 2032. This data is intended to serve as a critical resource for developing Korean-style medical artificial intelligence (AI), innovative new drugs, advanced medical devices, and personalized precision medicine.

To encourage public participation, high-ranking officials, including Minister of Health and Welfare Jeong Eun-kyeong and Vice Chairman of the National AI Strategy Committee Ha Jung-woo, participated in a biological data donation event at Severance Hospital. The first release of the integrated bio-big data to researchers is scheduled for November.