Eyes above the water: Seoul deploys physical AI to prevent Han River tragedies
Beneath the bridges that span the Han River, the sound of splashing water or a sharp scream can mean the difference between life and death. Korea’s capital is turning to cutting-edge technology to ensure those desperate calls for help do not go unheard. As part of World Suicide Prevention Day, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced a new 2.8 billion won ($2.1 million) initiative to deploy an…
In a bid to prevent tragic suicides, Seoul is deploying artificial intelligence technology along its Han River bridges. As part of a World Suicide Prevention Day initiative, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has allocated 2.8 billion won ($2.1 million) to develop an AI-powered emergency response system. Backed by the Ministry of Science and ICT, this two-year national project aims to significantly reduce the time it takes for authorities to respond to desperate cries for help near the river's most iconic spans.
The cutting-edge lifesaving technology will make its debut at Banpo Bridge in the Gangnam district. Following a pilot program during October, the full-scale launch is tentatively scheduled for November. The urgency of this project cannot be overstated. According to official fire department statistics, emergency crews responded to 1,272 suicide attempts along the Han River's 31 bridges in 2024 alone. The critical window for survival hinges on how swiftly help arrives – a delay could prove fatal.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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