[DiaryPoint = Reporter Eom Ju-yong] SafeOps-operated AI counseling app CareOps Maeumi launched live voice counseling on November 8. Users can talk through their concerns instead of typing and hear the AI respond aloud. The initial voice session is free.
In the initial session, users talk through recent events, how they felt, and their day-to-day circumstances. Maeumi organizes the conversation into “understanding cards” for users to review, then guides them through spoken exercises tailored to their counseling goals. After each session, a summary card records what they discussed and what they can try before the next session.
After the free initial voice session, each session costs 9,900 won, or 34,900 won for a four-session package. Users can switch to text-based counseling at any time, even if they started by voice. The service is available on iOS and Android apps and on the web.
Maeumi uses the same session structure for voice and text counseling. The company says the feature is intended for people who find it difficult to write out their concerns, have trouble using their hands, or are more comfortable thinking things through aloud.
AI sessions and feedback from a licensed counselor are separate services. With Maeumi’s counselor plan, a professional counselor reviews the conversation and sends feedback and assignments on scheduled days. According to the official information, plans start at 89,000 won per month. AI voice counseling is distinct from sessions with a professional counselor or care from a psychiatrist; diagnosis and prescriptions are provided by medical institutions.
If you need immediate help from a person in a crisis, you can call the 24-hour suicide prevention hotline at 109. The Ministry of Health and Welfare’s counseling center also lists 1577-0199 as a 24-hour mental health counseling line.