South Korea recorded its highest number of suicide deaths in 13 years last year, with local welfare foundations and suicide prevention agencies saying more support is needed to address the problem.
According to preliminary data from Statistics Korea released in late February, 14,439 suicides were reported last year — an average of nearly 40 each day.
This is the highest figure since the 15,906 deaths recorded in 2011.
South Korea's suicide rate, calculated as the number of suicides per 100,000 people, rose to 28.3 in 2024, the highest since 2013.
South Korea’s suicide rate has been the highest among the 38 OECD countries since 2018, when it overtook Lithuania, according to the OECD Health Statistics.
The government has made several attempts at suicide prevention, including an increase in the number of local health centers, more suicide prevention campaigns and social media-based counseling. However, those who work closely with the cases insist that more practical, preemptive measures need to be discussed.
“Many policies are closely related to services for those who have attempted suicide in the past or bereaved family members. But it is essential to establish a stronger system for early detection and preventive intervention,” Life Insurance Philanthropy Foundation official Kang Soo-yeon told The Korea Herald.
The official also added that a lack of workers and regional disparities in support are other major difficulties.
She explained that economic difficulties, problems with interpersonal relationships, and underlying and related mental health issues have been primary causes linked to suicide deaths. But, uncertainty about one’s future, unemployment, academic pressure and social isolation have emerged as new factors as well.
“As the major causes of suicide vary with time and societal changes, more efforts are needed to thoroughly analyze the cases and make practical countermeasures to respond to rising concerns over suicide deaths,” Kang said.
The Korea Foundation for Suicide Prevention also emphasized the significance of preventive measures, especially citing the rise in provocative, suicide-themed online content.
The number of posts reported to authorities containing information about group suicide, items to use, and ways to lure others into self-harm or suicide increased from 32,588 to 303,636 cases from 2019 to 2023.
The agency believes that recognizing the seriousness and harmful impact of this content is essential to creating an environment where people understand the importance of life and promote self-care.
If you’re thinking about self-harm or suicide, contact the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s helpline on 1393, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please request a translator for English-language services.
sj_lee@heraldcorp.com
