Hong Seokcheon Says "I Get Tested for STDs Every Six Months"... HIV Prevention Pill Available as 'One a Day'

Director of the Disease Control Agency Clarifies Myths and Facts About HIV and AIDS
Around 1,000 New Infections Occur Annually

Broadcaster Hong Seokcheon stated, "I receive blood and urine tests about once every six months to a year," and, together with Yoo Jeonghee, Director of the Division of AIDS at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, emphasized that regular HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) testing is not just for oneself, but a responsible act of health management for others as well.

Recently, Director Yoo appeared on the YouTube channel 'Hong Seokcheon's Jewel Box' and personally explained the difference between HIV and AIDS, routes of transmission, prevention methods, and government preventive support policies, stressing the importance of accurate information.

Screenshot of Hong Seokcheon’s YouTube channel video

Director Yoo described the difference between HIV and AIDS. HIV refers to the virus that attacks immune cells in the body, whereas AIDS refers to a condition in which immune function is severely compromised due to HIV infection, resulting in various opportunistic infections or specific diseases. Not everyone infected with HIV progresses to AIDS, and if diagnosed early and treatment begins, it is possible to maintain immune function and continue daily life.

She particularly noted that with significant advances in treatment, people who contract HIV can now live healthy lives up to the average life expectancy as long as they regularly take medication.

According to statistics, approximately 1,000 new HIV cases are reported each year in Korea. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's '2024 HIV/AIDS Annual Report on Notifications,' there were 975 new cases last year, a 3% decrease from the previous year. By age group, people in their 30s were the most affected, followed by those in their 20s and 40s. Among cases where the route of infection was identified, the vast majority were due to sexual contact. Out of the 503 respondents, 502 (99.8%) reported infection through sexual contact.

Director Yoo explained, "The main routes of transmission are sexual contact and sharing syringes for drug use," and stressed, "This is not a disease limited to a particular gender or sexual orientation; anyone can become infected, so avoiding unsafe sexual contact is the most important preventive measure."

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency is also expanding the nationwide support project for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for people at high risk of infection. PrEP is a method where people who do not have HIV consistently take preventive medication to lower the risk of infection; taking one tablet daily can reduce the risk of infection by more than 90%. However, experts emphasize that it should only be taken after consultation, examination, and prescription from medical professionals.

There is also support available to reduce the economic burden. Director Yoo said, "The cost of PrEP is about 400,000 won per month, but you can reduce testing and medication costs through government support programs." She added, "Investing in prevention is about 10 to 15 times more cost-effective than supporting treatment after infection."

However, she cautioned, "Before taking the medication, you must undergo HIV and kidney function tests and obtain a prescription from a healthcare professional," adding that "purchasing it arbitrarily online can be dangerous."

HIV tests can be taken anonymously and free of charge at public health centers nationwide. Depending on the test result, referrals to specialized medical institutions and counseling services are also provided.

Hong Seokcheon, who stated he is being tested regularly, also said, "When I hear that nothing abnormal was found during testing, I can feel at ease for about six months," emphasizing that regular testing is a responsible action not only for oneself but also for others.

Experts stress that HIV is an infectious disease that can affect anyone, not just certain groups, so knowing accurate information and practicing prevention is the most important factor. Safe sex, regular testing, and prompt medical consultation in suspicious situations are considered the most effective ways to reduce infection rates.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.