[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Seon-ae] The number of deaths by suicide last year slightly decreased compared to the previous year. However, it still remains the highest among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare on the 28th, Statistics Korea announced the '2020 Cause of Death Statistics' and reported that the number of suicide deaths last year was 13,195, a decrease of 604 (4.4%) from 2019.
Comparing the number of deaths by month with the previous year, the number of deaths increased slightly in February (2.3%), June (2.4%), and August (2.9%), but decreased in most other months.
The suicide death rate per 100,000 people was highest among those in their 80s at 62.6, followed by those in their 70s (38.8), 50s (30.5), and 60s (30.1).
For those under 40, the rate was all below 30, with the order being 40s (29.2), 30s (27.1), 20s (21.7), and teens (6.5).
The Ministry of Health and Welfare cited the 'impact of COVID-19' as the reason for the decrease in suicide deaths last year.
The ministry explained, "According to experts, during national disasters such as infectious diseases, earthquakes, wars, and terrorism, there tends to be a period of decreased suicide rates due to national unity and social tension."
Additionally, the ministry noted that unlike the previous year, there was no significant occurrence of celebrity suicides and the resulting copycat suicides, which is also considered a factor.
Although the suicide rate slightly decreased, it remains the highest among OECD countries.
According to OECD statistics as of September this year, South Korea's suicide rate per 100,000 people was 23.5, more than twice the OECD average suicide rate of 10.9.
The government announced the 'Post-COVID Suicide Prevention Strengthening Measures' last June, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare along with related ministries and 17 metropolitan cities and provinces are jointly promoting related policies.
Specifically, to respond to depression known as 'Corona Blue,' psychological support projects will be expanded, and follow-up management will be implemented to connect suspected depression patients to mental health welfare centers.
Furthermore, to expand suicide prevention infrastructure, management of regions and methods where suicides frequently occur, as well as harmful information, is being strengthened, and the number of personnel for the suicide prevention counseling hotline has increased from 26 last year to 57 this year.
In addition, a pilot project called the "Local Clinic-Mental Health Institution Treatment Connection Project" will be promoted to screen high-risk suicide patients among non-psychiatric clinic patients and connect them to psychiatric departments, and support for suicide attempters and bereaved families is also being strengthened.
Minister of Health and Welfare Kwon Deok-cheol emphasized, "Suicide is a social problem that can be sufficiently prevented, and a small interest sent to those in need of help is the first step," adding, "The government will also strengthen the foundation for suicide prevention and expand services for high-risk groups."
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