Thousands sign up to 'dying well' pilot program

SEOUL - More than 3,000 people have signed papers to forgo artificial life-extending treatment when they become incurably ill, in a pilot program leading up to South Korea's first "dying well" law.

The Bill, passed in Parliament early this year after nearly two decades of debate, will go into effect in February.

The trial, which started on Oct 23 after months of preparation for end-of-life care, will allow the authorities and hospitals to test public reaction and check what measures are lacking, said Vice-Minister of Health Kwon Deok-cheol.