Gov't finalizes 6th Suicide Prevention Basic Plan

Seoul, October 12 - The South Korean government has finalized a new package of measures to combat the nation's high suicide rates, which have surpassed those of other developed countries for over two decades. The sixth Suicide Prevention Basic Plan was approved during a meeting of the suicide prevention policy committee, led by Prime Minister Han Seong-sook.

The plan aims to reduce motivations for suicide and provide psychological care and counseling. South Korea has been updating suicide prevention plans every five years since 2004, with the fifth plan released in 2023 for the period 2023-2027. However, the government has released the sixth plan earlier due to a surge in suicide rates in 2024.

In 2024, South Korea's suicide rate reached 29.1 deaths per 100,000 people, up from 27.8 in 2025. From January to July of this year, there were 7,432 suicides, a 12.3% decrease (1,043 fewer) compared to the same period in 2023. The country has consistently ranked at the top among OECD member countries in terms of suicide rates since 2003, except for 2017 when it was second to Lithuania.

The sixth basic plan adopts the "BASIC" strategy, which stands for basic safety net, active outreach, structural support, integrated care, and community accountability. The government plans to establish the National Suicide Response Office, increase personnel at suicide prevention centers to 7.1 by 2027, and operate temporary shelters.

Financial support for medical expenses will also be raised. Artificial intelligence will be employed to predict suicide risks, and the government will assist in restructuring long-term debts, provide emergency living expenses for high-risk groups, and offer counseling to students and workers in high-stress occupations, such as military, police, and firefighters.

Prime Minister Han emphasized that safeguarding citizens' lives is a crucial responsibility of the entire government.