"This study examines potential gains in life expectancy of Korean males and females in 1985 when the three leading causes of death are totally eliminated.  The greatest increase in life expectancy of Korean males would result from the elimination of malignant neoplasms (2.2 years at birth), whereas the life expectancy of Korean females would be lengthened the most (2.4 years) by elimination of cerebrovascular diseases.  The implications of the results can provide useful information for the evaluation of the public health programs and health planning policy for [the Republic of Korea] in the future." (SUMMARY IN ENG)