Politics · South Korea · 1 hr ago
South Korea sets 2030 target to cut suicide rate by one-third
South Korea has approved a national plan to prevent suicide and reduce the country’s suicide rate.
The government aims to lower the rate from 29.1 deaths per 100,000 people in 2024 to 18.9 or fewer by 2030, a reduction of about one-third.
From January through July this year, 7,432 people died by suicide, 12.3% fewer than in the same period last year.
The plan makes suicide prevention a legally required government responsibility and assigns duties to national ministers and local government leaders.
It includes more staff at suicide-prevention centers, expanded emergency mental-health services and higher treatment support for people who attempt suicide.
The government also plans to use more data and artificial intelligence to identify risks and monitor suicide-related content.
Local governments will be assessed publicly, with rewards for strong results and support for areas that need improvement.
Central government officials will review progress monthly and assess implementation at the end of each year.
South Korea has set a target to cut its suicide rate by 33.3%, to 18.9 deaths per 100,000 people or fewer, by 2030.
The government finalized its sixth Basic Plan for Suicide Prevention on October 12, making the plan a statutory government-wide program.
The plan calls for expanded mental health services, more support for people who have attempted suicide, and greater use of data and artificial intelligence.
South Korea’s suicide rate was 27.8 per 100,000 people in 2025, down from 29.1 in 2024.
The number of suicide deaths in the first seven months of this year was 7,432, a 12.3% decrease from the same period a year earlier.
- Who
- South Korea’s government, including central ministries and local governments.
- What
- It finalized a statutory suicide-prevention plan and set a target to reduce the suicide rate by 33.3% by 2030.
- When
- The plan was finalized on October 12. The target is for 2030.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- The government aims to prevent suicide and strengthen responsibility for carrying out prevention measures.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Through the sixth Basic Plan for Suicide Prevention, we firmly reaffirm the government’s commitment to prevent suicide, protect precious lives and save people’s lives.
We will create a safe society that protects the lives of the people to the very end.
The government prepared its 2025 National Suicide Prevention Strategy.
The government launched a government-wide headquarters to promote life protection.
South Korea’s suicide rate was 27.8 per 100,000 people, down from 29.1 in 2024.
There were 7,432 suicide deaths, 12.3% fewer than in the same period a year earlier.
The government finalized its sixth Basic Plan for Suicide Prevention.
- 2030 target
- 18.9 or fewer suicide deaths per 100,000 people
- Target reduction
- 33.3%
- 2025 suicide rate
- 27.8 per 100,000 people
- January–July suicide deaths
- 7,432, down 12.3% year on year
- Suicide prevention plan
- Sixth Basic Plan for Suicide Prevention
Sources
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