President Lee Jae Myung Stresses Need for National Action
Professor Na Jongho: "Suicide Is Not a Choice... Direct Confrontation Is Needed"
Na Jongho, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine in the United States, emphasized that it was "significant" for President Lee Jae Myung to mention South Korea's current suicide rate immediately after taking office and to instruct officials to explore ways to prevent and reduce it.
On the 11th, Professor Na posted on social media, urging the new administration to come up with extraordinary measures to reduce the suicide rate. In particular, he referenced a news article stating that, during his first cabinet meeting on the 5th after his inauguration, President Lee asked Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyuhong, "Why is our country's suicide rate so high?" Professor Na reiterated, "This issue will be difficult to resolve unless the president takes direct action and the entire nation lends its support." He added, "I previously advised former President Yoon Suk Yeol that all ministries (including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Ministry of Employment and Labor, etc.) should unite under a presidential body to address this issue and report directly and regularly to the president for tangible results. My view on this matter remains unchanged."
President Lee Jae Myung is speaking at the Safety and Security Inspection Meeting held on the 5th at the National Security Council (NSC) meeting room in the Yongsan Presidential Office Building in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News
On the 6th, Professor Na also wrote on his social media that President Lee's question was "significant," stating, "It is time to end this terrible disaster that has continued for over 20 years. Just as the nation took the lead in fighting COVID-19, it is now time for the state to step up to prevent suicide, a major disaster." He further said, "I have met with President Yoon Suk Yeol to discuss how to respond to Korea's suicide problem, and I am willing to meet with anyone." Professor Na previously revealed that in the summer of 2023, he had a private meeting in Yongsan with former World Bank President Kim Yong and former President Yoon.
As Professor Na mentioned, South Korea's suicide rate (number of suicides per 100,000 people) is estimated to have been 28.3 last year, expected to be the highest in 11 years since 2013 (28.5). South Korea has the highest suicide rate among member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). According to OECD international comparative data, South Korea's suicide rate in 2021 was 24.3, which is 2.5 times higher than the OECD average of 10.1.
South Korea's suicide rate (number of suicides per 100,000 people) is estimated to have been 28.3 last year, expected to be the highest in 11 years since 2013 (28.5). Asia Economy
Previously, on the 5th, during the Safety and Security Inspection Meeting, President Lee said, "Our country's suicide rate is so high that it is almost difficult to discuss, but if we look closely, there may be room for prevention or reduction. I hope you will look into this as well," he requested of the participants.
President Lee pledged to: ▲ conduct an 'Emotional and Behavioral Characteristics Assessment' for all elementary and secondary school students over the next five years; ▲ ensure 100% referral to professional institutions and implementation of screening and treatment for students identified as at-risk or in the suicide risk group based on the assessment results; ▲ provide long-term counseling support tailored for high-risk youth; and ▲ establish the 1388 Integrated Youth Counseling Call Center.
Meanwhile, Professor Na, a psychiatrist, drew public attention in 2023 when he appeared on the tvN variety program 'You Quiz on the Block' (You Quiz). In his book, he emphasizes that it is inappropriate to view suicide as a "choice." He points out, "People often hold the prejudice that those who take their own lives are selfish. Therefore, defining such actions as a choice is dangerous, as it may reinforce this prejudice." He further argues, "The term 'extreme choice,' which is a euphemism, may reflect an attitude of avoiding or circumventing direct confrontation with the issue, so we should speak about it openly." On 'You Quiz,' he also stated, "The euphemistic expression 'extreme choice' contains the aspect of choice, which can lead to negative perceptions," and insisted that a new term should be created to replace it.
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