S.Korea's Telcos bolster digital health care services to exploit contactless trend

South Korea's three major mobile carriers SK Telecom Co., KT Corp., and LG Uplus Corp. have each collaborated with local health care companies to capitalize on the contactless trend driven by the pandemic.

KT will use its artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and cloud technology in its partnership with Green Cross Healthcare Co., which provides online health management and information service for cancer patients.

Under the agreement, KT will lead the development of the digital platform, while Green Cross Healthcare will be in charge of the service's operation.

KT also forged a partnership with Huraypositive Corp. in July to develop an AI-based diet management service for diabetes patients.

SK Telecom and a local private equity firm launched a digital health care joint venture, Invites Healthcare Co., which offers health tracking services through a mobile application for type 2 diabetes patients by providing dietary and exercise tips based on user data.

Meanwhile, LG Uplus plans to develop health-tracking wearable devices for the elderly in nursing homes.

According to Global Market Insights, the global digital health care market is expected to grow to $639.4 billion in 2026, from $106 billion last year.