South Korea's Suicide Rate Tops OECD for 21st Year; Experts Urge Focus on High-Risk Groups

South Korea continues to face a grim reality as its suicide death rate remains the highest among member nations of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for the 21st year running. Data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, analyzed in the 'OECD Health Statistics 2026,' reveals that in 2023, the rate stood at 24.8 deaths per 100,000 people, significantly exceeding the OECD average of 10.9.

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Those who think about suicide tend to fall into despair and do not ask for help from those around them.

This persistent issue highlights a critical gap in support systems. Experts point out that individuals contemplating suicide often fall into despair and are reluctant to ask for help. Baek Jong-woo, president of the Korean Association for Suicide Prevention and a professor of psychiatry at Kyung Hee University, noted that current welfare services often require individuals to apply directly, leading to many falling through the cracks. He stressed the urgent need for proactive measures to identify high-risk individuals and establish robust systems to connect them with necessary support.

In contrast to the high suicide rate, South Korea demonstrates strengths in other health indicators. The country's life expectancy was 83.7 years in 2024, surpassing the OECD average of 81.2 years. Furthermore, the rate of preventable deaths, those that could be avoided through disease prevention and timely medical treatment, was lower than the OECD average, standing at 139.0 per 100,000 people compared to the average of 208.8.

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However, current suicide-related welfare services are often based on self-application, leading to many cases where support is not provided.

Regarding healthcare resources, South Korea has a lower number of practicing physicians per capita than the OECD average, with 2.6 doctors per 1,000 people (including traditional Korean medicine doctors) compared to the average of 4.0. While the number of clinical nursing staff is slightly above the OECD average, the proportion of registered nurses among them is lower than the average. However, the availability of advanced medical equipment, such as MRI and CT scanners, is higher than the OECD average. South Koreans also utilize outpatient services most frequently among OECD nations, and the country has the highest rate of Cesarean sections, attributed partly to an increase in elderly and multiple births.

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Measures must be prepared to actively discover high-risk groups for suicide and ensure they receive support.