Even with unpaid phone bills, callers will be connected to suicide prevention line 109 from October

People whose mobile service has been suspended for unpaid bills will still be able to call South Korea’s suicide prevention hotline 109 from Oct. 1.

The line is free and operates around the clock, every day of the year. But unlike the police emergency number 112 and the fire and rescue number 119, it was not classified as an emergency communications service. That made it difficult to use from phones with outgoing calls restricted.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission announced the change jointly on the 8th. Telecommunications companies will develop the necessary systems first and apply the measure before the formal notice revision is complete, a process that normally takes about three months.

Phone manufacturers will also add 109 to emergency-call lists so people can connect directly from a locked screen. The measure followed public feedback submitted through the presidential office’s social media channels about difficulties accessing the hotline after financial hardship led to suspended mobile service.