In 2022, South Korea's suicide rate reached 25.2 deaths per 100 thousand population. Although the suicide rate has declined compared to a decade ago, South Korea still has the highest suicide rate among member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Mental health in South Korea
In the last decade, the population has been shaken by the suicides of many prominent South Korean politicians and celebrities. Economic poverty and physical disability were a few of the leading reasons to attempt suicide. These factors are, in many cases, linked to mental illness. According to a survey, about one-third of the respondents said they had a mental health disorder such as depression, work-related stress, or social anxiety. Nevertheless, very few people want to consult with a psychiatrist because of the stigma attached to mental health issues in South Korea.
Government action
Since the government introduced its first suicide prevention program in 2004, various measures have been taken to counteract the exceptionally high suicide rate. For example, Seoul City carried out the “Bridge of Life” project for the Mapo Bridge, one of the most notorious locations for people attempting suicide. The project aimed to pacify people who visit the bridge to end their lives by projecting inspirational texts and photos. The government also operates suicide prevention centers and provides services such as medical and psychological counseling for suicide survivors, as well as a 24-hour suicide prevention hotline.
Number of deaths by suicide in South Korea from 2000 to 2022
(per 100,000 population)
Characteristic
Suicide deaths per 100,000 population
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KOSIS. (September 21, 2023). Number of deaths by suicide in South Korea from 2000 to 2022 (per 100,000 population) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved July 22, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/789337/south-korea-suicide-death-rate/
KOSIS. "Number of deaths by suicide in South Korea from 2000 to 2022 (per 100,000 population)." Chart. September 21, 2023. Statista. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/789337/south-korea-suicide-death-rate/
KOSIS. (2023). Number of deaths by suicide in South Korea from 2000 to 2022 (per 100,000 population). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: July 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/789337/south-korea-suicide-death-rate/
KOSIS. "Number of Deaths by Suicide in South Korea from 2000 to 2022 (per 100,000 Population)." Statista, Statista Inc., 21 Sep 2023, https://www.statista.com/statistics/789337/south-korea-suicide-death-rate/
KOSIS, Number of deaths by suicide in South Korea from 2000 to 2022 (per 100,000 population) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/789337/south-korea-suicide-death-rate/ (last visited July 22, 2024)
Number of deaths by suicide in South Korea from 2000 to 2022 (per 100,000 population) [Graph], KOSIS, September 21, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/789337/south-korea-suicide-death-rate/