South Korea In Crisis: New Suicide Statistics Shake The Nation

South Korea has long held the highest suicide rate among OECD member countries—but 2024 has been record-breaking, even for Korea, and netizens are feeling shaken up over the chilling numbers.

South Korea Facing The Highest Number Of Suicide Deaths In 13 Years

According to the “2024 Cause of Death Statistics” released by Statistics Korea on September 25, 2025 (KST), suicide has overtaken cancer as the leading cause of death among Koreans in their 40s.

For Koreans in their 40s, suicide accounted for 26.0% of deaths, surpassing cancer at 24.5%. This is the first time that suicide has become the leading cause of death for this age group since record-keeping began in 1983. As a result, suicide is now the number one cause of death for people in their teens, 20s, 30s, and 40s, and the second-biggest cause of death for those in their 50s in South Korea.

ouoHTT (1) — The top two leading causes of death among South Koreans in their teens, 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s showing suicide and cancer. | *YTN*

2024 marked both the number of suicides and the suicide rate reaching their highest levels since 2011. So why are so many South Koreans dying?

Financial difficulties stemming from the recent economic downturn have been identified as a primary cause. Park Hyun Jung, director of demographic trends at Statistics Korea, explained, “The rise in suicides among people in their 40s is linked to economic conditions as well as mental and physical health factors. According to the Suicide Prevention White Paper, the primary motives for suicide are psychological and physical problems, followed by economic hardship.”

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If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had self-harming thoughts, do not hesitate to reach out to your local confidential support for people in distress or to call the Lifeline. The Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s # is 988, OR you can call 1-800-273-8255. Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting HOME to 741741 (US), 686868 (Canada), or 85258 (UK).

Source: Hankook Ilbo, The Korea Times and theqoo

South Korea In Crisis: New Suicide Statistics Shake The Nation

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