Number of Depression Patients Hits Record 1.1 Million Last Year... 3 Out of 10 Are Women in Their 20s, 30s, and 40s

Sharp Increase in Patients Under 10
Women in Their 20s, 30s, and 40s Account for 33.2% of Total

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Last year, the number of depression patients in South Korea surpassed 1.1 million, reaching an all-time high. In particular, there was a significant increase among women and teenagers, raising concerns about the nation's mental health.

According to data submitted by the National Health Insurance Service to Assemblywoman Seo Mihwa of the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee on September 2, the number of depression patients last year was 1,106,603, a 32.9% increase compared to 832,483 in 2020. During the same period, the number of medical consultations rose by 33.3%, from 6,394,820 to 8,524,815.

The number of depression patients increased at an average annual rate of 7.4%, showing a steep upward trend. By year, the figures were 832,483 in 2020, 915,910 in 2021, 1,001,046 in 2022, 1,043,732 in 2023, and 1,106,603 in 2024.

An analysis by gender and age last year showed that female patients numbered 743,590 (67.2%), more than twice as many as male patients at 363,013 (32.8%). In addition, women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s-who are highly active socially and economically-accounted for 33.2% of the total.

By age group, the increase in depression patients among children under 10 was particularly notable. The number rose from 991 in 2020 to 2,162 in 2024, a dramatic 118.2% increase over five years. During the same period, the number of patients in their teens increased by 83.5%, those in their 30s by 69.7%, and those in their 40s by 52.4%, highlighting a sharp rise among younger generations and children and adolescents.

Assemblywoman Seo stated, "It is most important to detect and intervene in mental health issues early, without missing the right moment," adding, "For this, it is urgent to expand the nation's mental health infrastructure."