President Lee Jae-myung Questions High Suicide Rates in South Korea
During his first Cabinet meeting since taking office, President Lee Jae-myung raised a pressing question regarding South Korea's alarming suicide rates. On June 5, he inquired about the issue with Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyu-hong, surprising many observers who expected discussions to focus on ongoing political conflicts. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is set to report on the current status, causes, and government measures regarding suicide rates to the presidential office soon.
South Korea's suicide rate stands at 25.2 per 100,000 people, which is more than double the OECD average of 11.1. The country has held the highest suicide rate among OECD nations since 2004. Suicide is the leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 30, and the second leading cause for those in their 40s and 50s. Notably, the proportion of self-harm and suicide patients aged 10 to 20 has increased by 15.4 percentage points over the past decade.
President Lee has previously shared his own struggles with suicidal thoughts during his teenage years, revealing in his autobiography that he attempted suicide twice. He has also expressed his commitment to mental health awareness, stating on social media, "Let’s choose to live instead of dying."
In his writings, he emphasized that no one chooses to end their life in a moment of anger. He reflected on the feelings of isolation that can lead to extreme thoughts, sharing his own experiences of hardship and despair during his youth. He recounted a time when, at the age of 13, he sought sleeping pills from a local pharmacy but was given digestive medicine instead, illustrating the desperation he felt at that time.
As part of his commitment to addressing this crisis, President Lee announced plans to implement emotional and behavioral assessments for all elementary and middle school students over the next five years. Students identified as at risk will receive treatment in collaboration with specialized institutions. Additionally, a new 24-hour youth counseling hotline, the 1388 Integrated Counseling Center, will be established to provide immediate support.
