Seoul:The government has finalized a series of measures aimed at preventing suicide in South Korea, which has experienced higher suicide rates compared to other developed countries for over two decades. The sixth Suicide Prevention Basic Plan was approved during a meeting led by Prime Minister Han Seong-sook. This plan includes strategies to reduce motivations for suicide and provide psychological care and counseling.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea has been implementing a suicide prevention basic plan every five years since 2004, in an effort to reduce suicide rates. Although the fifth plan was intended to cover the period until 2027, the sixth plan was introduced ahead of schedule due to an increase in suicide rates in 2024.
In 2024, the country's suicide rate rose to 29.1 deaths per 100,000 people, but decreased to 27.8 in 2025. From January to July this year, there were 7,432 recorded suicide deaths, representing a 12.3 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.
South Korea has consistently ranked highest among OECD member countries in suicide rates since 2003, except in 2017 when it was second to Lithuania after its accession to the OECD.
The newly finalized plan, based on the "BASIC" strategy, encompasses a basic safety net, active outreach, structural support, integrated care, and community accountability. The government plans to establish a national suicide response office and increase staff at suicide prevention centers to 7.1 people per center by 2027, up from the current five. Additionally, temporary shelters will be operated, and financial support for medical expenses will be increased.
Officials also announced that artificial intelligence will be employed to predict suicide risks. The government intends to assist with restructuring long-term debts, provide emergency living expenses for high-risk groups, and offer counseling for students and those in high-stress jobs, including the military, police, and firefighters.
Prime Minister Han emphasized the importance of safeguarding lives, stating that suicide is a government-wide responsibility, not limited to a specific ministry.