South Korea health insurance arrears rise among multi-property owners

Data released by the National Health Insurance Service to Representative Seo Young-seok of the National Assembly reveals a significant rise in health insurance premium arrears among high-asset individuals. Between 2021 and 2025, the number of individuals holding 30 or more properties increased more than sixfold, from 6 to 37. Notably, the number of defaulters owning 100 or more properties rose from 1 to 9.

One specific individual was identified as owning 764 houses and failing to pay 49 million won in premiums over a 15-month period. Other major defaulters held 316, 231, 226, and 180 properties respectively.

Despite an increase in property seizures, critics argue that actual collection remains ineffective. While property seizures rose in earlier years, the rate of requesting public auctions for seized real estate remains extremely low, at approximately 0.29% in 2025. Representative Seo emphasized the need for more rigorous management of high-value, habitual defaulters and a thorough investigation into why seized assets are not being successfully converted into collected funds.