Catalina Espinosa
Research expert covering society, economy, and politics for Europe and the EU
Suicide in South Korea - statistics & facts
South Korea has the highest suicide rate in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with around 13,000 people taking their own lives in 2022. In contrast to the global downward trend, South Korea’s suicide rate has nearly doubled over the past two decades. With 25.2 deaths per 100,000 population, suicide was the sixth leading cause of death in 2022, following diseases such as cancer and heart disease. While the suicide rate has been the highest among the elderly population, the rise in suicides among younger people is another concerning trend. Since 2011, suicide has been the leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 24 years.
In South Korea, the high level of social pressure stemming from the country's competitive and success-driven culture is considered another significant risk factor contributing to the alarming increase in suicide rates among teenagers and young adults. According to a survey conducted in 2023, nearly 43 percent of middle and high school students have contemplated taking their own lives due to academic stress.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who is, it is essential to seek help. Many countries have suicide crisis or prevention lines that offer free advice and support in such situations. If you live in the United States, you can reach the by simply calling 988 to receive free and confidential support 24/7. If you live in South Korea you can call the 109.
Why does South Korea have such a high suicide rate?
Suicide in South Korea is increasingly recognized not only as an individual health problem but also as a complex social issue stemming from the country's rapid economic development. In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in societal challenges, such as inequality, relative poverty, and rising youth unemployment. These issues have significantly impacted various vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly and young people in the country. In 2021, the relative poverty rate among the elderly, which measures the percentage of people living with less than half the median disposable income, stood at over 39 percent, making it the second highest in the OECD. According to a survey, the most commonly cited reasons for suicidal thoughts among the elderly were health and financial problems.In South Korea, the high level of social pressure stemming from the country's competitive and success-driven culture is considered another significant risk factor contributing to the alarming increase in suicide rates among teenagers and young adults. According to a survey conducted in 2023, nearly 43 percent of middle and high school students have contemplated taking their own lives due to academic stress.
Suicide prevention
Since the South Korean government implemented its first suicide prevention program in 2004, it has taken various measures to address the exceptionally high suicide rate, but unfortunately without significant success. For example, the shortage of qualified professionals at suicide prevention centers and the national hotline has led to a significant rise in the number of individuals not receiving assistance. Despite a gradual increase in the annual budget for suicide prevention, it still lags far behind international standards and other prevention programs.If you are having suicidal thoughts, or you know someone who is, it is essential to seek help. Many countries have suicide crisis or prevention lines that offer free advice and support in such situations. If you live in the United States, you can reach the by simply calling 988 to receive free and confidential support 24/7. If you live in South Korea you can call the 109.
