GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Report: Korea Suicide Rate Statistics

Highlights: Korea Suicide Rate Statistics

  • In 2019, Korea had the highest rate of suicide among all OECD countries at 24.6 per 100,000 people.
  • Suicide is the leading cause of death among 10-39-year-olds in South Korea.
  • For South Korean men, the suicide rate increased from 39.15 per 100,000 in 2000, to 45.10 in 2016.
  • For South Korean women, the suicide rate increased from 22.24 per 100,000 in 2000, to 27.24 in 2016.
  • In 2019 alone, 13,799 South Koreans took their life, equivalent to an average of 37.9 suicides per day.
  • Suicide attempts in South Korea was 4.8 times higher in people with depression.
  • The suicide rate among Korean adolescents aged between 10 and 19 was 7.3 per 100,000 people in 2019.
  • South Korean elderly (65 and older) have the highest suicide rate among age groups at an alarming rate of 66.6 per 100,000 people in 2019.
  • As of 2017, the suicide rate among Korean adults who didn't finish high school was 31.4 per 100,000 people.
  • An estimate of 25% of suicide victims in Korea are reported to have been alcohol intoxicated at the time of their suicide.
  • Suicide-related calls to Korea's mental health hotlines increased by 26% in 2020.
  • The suicide rate in South Korea has doubled in the last decade.
  • In 2019, roughly 60% of Korean seniors who committed suicide lived alone.
  • The economic cost of suicides in South Korea was 6.5 trillion Korean Won in 2015.
  • As per 2017 data, suicide is the cause of one in every five deaths among young South Koreans.
  • In 2016, South Korea's suicide rate was 2.4 times higher than the global average.
  • Seoul, the capital of South Korea, had over 2,000 suicides in 2018.
  • Korea's suicide rate among those in their 40s was significantly higher after the 2008 economic crisis, rising from 26.0 per 100,000 in 2007 to 39.7 in 2010.

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In recent years, the issue of suicide has become a growing concern worldwide. Among the countries that have been significantly affected by this devastating phenomenon is South Korea. With one of the highest suicide rates in the world, Korea’s statistics on suicide present a deeply concerning and complex societal problem. In this blog post, we will delve into the Korea suicide rate statistics, aiming to shed light on the factors contributing to this distressing trend and exploring potential solutions to address this serious public health issue. By examining the available data and statistical insights, we hope to foster a greater understanding of the magnitude and implications of Korea’s suicide epidemic.

The Latest Korea Suicide Rate Statistics Explained

In 2019, Korea had the highest rate of suicide among all OECD countries at 24.6 per 100,000 people.

The statistic states that in the year 2019, Korea had the highest rate of suicide among all countries that are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The rate of suicide in Korea was recorded at 24.6 per 100,000 people. This means that for every 100,000 individuals in Korea, 24.6 individuals died by suicide in that particular year. The statistic highlights the alarming issue of suicide prevalence in Korea compared to other OECD countries, emphasizing the need for further analysis and interventions to address this significant public health concern.

Suicide is the leading cause of death among 10-39-year-olds in South Korea.

This statistic indicates that among the population aged 10 to 39 years in South Korea, suicide is the most common cause of death. This age group includes teenagers, young adults, and early middle-aged individuals. The statistic suggests that compared to other causes such as accidents, diseases, or natural causes, suicide accounts for a higher number of deaths in this particular age range. This information highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues, providing support systems, and implementing preventive measures aimed at reducing suicide rates, particularly among young adults in South Korea.

For South Korean men, the suicide rate increased from 39.15 per 100,000 in 2000, to 45.10 in 2016.

The statistic indicates that the suicide rate among South Korean men experienced an increase over the specified period. In the year 2000, the suicide rate was recorded at 39.15 suicides per 100,000 men. However, by 2016, this rate had risen to 45.10 suicides per 100,000 men. This suggests that there has been a worrisome upward trend in suicide rates among South Korean men during this time frame.

For South Korean women, the suicide rate increased from 22.24 per 100,000 in 2000, to 27.24 in 2016.

This statistic indicates the change in suicide rates for South Korean women over a period of 16 years, from 2000 to 2016. In 2000, the suicide rate was 22.24 per 100,000 women, but it increased to 27.24 per 100,000 women by 2016. This suggests that there was an upward trend in suicide rates for South Korean women during this time period. It is important to note that this statistic does not provide any insights into the underlying reasons for the increase, but it highlights the concerning trend of higher suicide rates among South Korean women during this period.

In 2019 alone, 13,799 South Koreans took their life, equivalent to an average of 37.9 suicides per day.

In 2019, a total of 13,799 South Koreans died by suicide, indicating the devastating impact of this issue in the country. To put this number into perspective, it can be understood that on average, about 37.9 individuals took their own lives each day during that year. This statistic highlights the alarming frequency of suicides in South Korea and emphasizes the urgent need for effective interventions and support systems to address and prevent this tragic loss of life.

Suicide attempts in South Korea was 4.8 times higher in people with depression.

The given statistic states that the number of suicide attempts in South Korea is on average 4.8 times higher in individuals who experience depression compared to individuals without depression. This means that individuals who suffer from depression are significantly more likely to make an attempt to end their own life compared to those who do not have this mental health condition. This statistic highlights the strong association between depression and increased risk of suicide attempts in South Korea, emphasizing the importance of providing support, intervention, and mental health services for individuals who are diagnosed with depression in order to prevent such devastating outcomes.

The suicide rate among Korean adolescents aged between 10 and 19 was 7.3 per 100,000 people in 2019.

The statistic states that in 2019, for every 100,000 individuals who were Korean adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19, there were 7.3 suicides. This statistic helps us understand the prevalence of suicide among this specific age group in South Korea during that particular year.

South Korean elderly (65 and older) have the highest suicide rate among age groups at an alarming rate of 66.6 per 100,000 people in 2019.

The statistic states that in 2019, the suicide rate among South Korean elderly individuals aged 65 and older was the highest compared to other age groups. The rate was alarmingly high, with 66.6 suicides per 100,000 people in this population. This means that for every 100,000 elderly individuals in South Korea, there were 66.6 suicides recorded in 2019. This statistic highlights the significant issue of suicide within the elderly population in South Korea, indicating the need for attention and support in addressing this concerning trend.

As of 2017, the suicide rate among Korean adults who didn’t finish high school was 31.4 per 100,000 people.

The given statistic states that in the year 2017, the suicide rate among adults in Korea who did not complete high school was 31.4 suicides per 100,000 individuals. This means that for every 100,000 adults who did not finish high school, 31.4 of them died by suicide in that year. The statistic provides insight into the extent of the problem of suicide among this specific demographic group, highlighting the higher risk they face in comparison to other groups.

An estimate of 25% of suicide victims in Korea are reported to have been alcohol intoxicated at the time of their suicide.

This statistic indicates that, based on available data, approximately 25% of individuals who died by suicide in Korea were found to have consumed alcohol prior to their suicide. This estimate suggests that there may be a significant association between alcohol intoxication and suicidal behavior in Korea. However, it is important to note that this estimate relies on reported information and may not encompass all cases of suicide in the country. Further research and analysis are necessary to fully understand the relationship between alcohol use and suicide in Korea.

Suicide-related calls to Korea’s mental health hotlines increased by 26% in 2020.

The statistic “Suicide-related calls to Korea’s mental health hotlines increased by 26% in 2020” indicates that there was a considerable rise in the number of calls received by mental health helplines in Korea during the year 2020. Specifically, these calls were related to suicide and individuals seeking assistance related to their mental well-being. The increase of 26% suggests a significant surge in the demand for mental health support services, highlighting the potential increase in distress or suicidal ideation within the population during this period.

The suicide rate in South Korea has doubled in the last decade.

The statistic states that the suicide rate in South Korea has increased twofold over the course of the past ten years. This means that the number of suicides per capita in South Korea has doubled compared to the previous decade. It indicates a concerning trend where there has been a significant and notable rise in the incidence of suicide in the country. This statistic highlights a disturbing social issue that necessitates attention and action to address and mitigate the causes and consequences of this escalating problem.

In 2019, roughly 60% of Korean seniors who committed suicide lived alone.

The statistic ‘In 2019, roughly 60% of Korean seniors who committed suicide lived alone’ indicates that out of all the senior citizens in Korea who died by suicide in that year, approximately 60% of them were living alone at the time. This suggests a correlation between living alone and suicide among elderly individuals in Korea. Living alone may contribute to feelings of isolation, lack of support, and increased vulnerability, which can potentially impact mental health and increase the risk of suicidal behavior. It highlights the importance of addressing loneliness and providing social support for the elderly population to prevent such tragic outcomes.

The economic cost of suicides in South Korea was 6.5 trillion Korean Won in 2015.

The statistic “The economic cost of suicides in South Korea was 6.5 trillion Korean Won in 2015” implies that the total financial burden associated with suicides in South Korea during that particular year amounted to 6.5 trillion Korean Won. This figure takes into account various factors such as healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and potential future earnings that were directly or indirectly affected by the act of suicide. It serves as a quantitative measure to highlight the significant economic impact that suicides can have on a society, shedding light on the importance of addressing mental health issues and implementing effective preventive measures.

As per 2017 data, suicide is the cause of one in every five deaths among young South Koreans.

According to the statistics from 2017, suicide accounted for one in every five deaths among young individuals in South Korea. This means that out of every five deaths among the young population, one was due to suicide. This statistic highlights the seriousness and prevalence of suicide as a cause of mortality specifically among young South Koreans. It underscores the urgent need for preventive measures and mental health support to address this significant issue in the country.

In 2016, South Korea’s suicide rate was 2.4 times higher than the global average.

The statistic states that in the year 2016, the suicide rate in South Korea was 2.4 times greater than the average global suicide rate. This means that the frequency of suicides per 100,000 population in South Korea was 2.4 times higher than the average rate observed across all countries around the world. It suggests that there was an alarming disparity in the number of suicides in South Korea compared to other countries, highlighting the seriousness of the issue and the need for immediate attention and support to address and mitigate the factors contributing to this high suicide rate.

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, had over 2,000 suicides in 2018.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2018, there were more than 2,000 recorded cases of suicide in Seoul, which is the capital city of South Korea. This suggests that there was a significant number of individuals who took their own lives within the city during that particular year. The statistic highlights the prevalence of suicide in this urban area and suggests a need for further investigation and potential interventions to address this pressing issue.

Korea’s suicide rate among those in their 40s was significantly higher after the 2008 economic crisis, rising from 26.0 per 100,000 in 2007 to 39.7 in 2010.

This statistic indicates that in Korea, the rate of suicide among individuals in their 40s increased significantly after the 2008 economic crisis. Prior to the crisis, the suicide rate for this age group was 26.0 per 100,000 individuals in 2007. However, by 2010, the rate had risen to 39.7 per 100,000 individuals. This suggests that the economic downturn had a profound impact on the mental health and well-being of individuals in their 40s, leading to a higher incidence of suicide during this period.

Conclusion

Analyzing the Korea suicide rate statistics has provided us with valuable insights into the severity of the issue and the factors contributing to this alarming trend. The statistics show a disturbingly high suicide rate in Korea, especially among the younger population. It is evident that there are multiple complex factors involved, including social pressure, academic stress, and mental health issues.

The data also highlights the need for immediate and comprehensive interventions to address this crisis. Suicide prevention programs, mental health support services, and educational initiatives to reduce societal pressure need to be implemented on a large scale. These efforts should focus on creating a supportive environment, fostering open discussions about mental health, and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.

Furthermore, additional research is required to gain a deeper understanding of the specific factors behind Korea’s high suicide rate and to evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions. Collaborative efforts involving government agencies, mental health professionals, educators, and community organizations are crucial to making progress in reducing suicide rates.

Overall, the Korea suicide rate statistics remind us of the urgent need to prioritize mental health and implement targeted strategies to prevent this devastating loss of life. It is crucial that we work together as a society to provide the necessary support and resources to those struggling with mental health issues and reduce the stigma surrounding seeking help. By doing so, we can hope to create a society where every individual feels valued, supported, and able to overcome their challenges.

References

0. – https://www.www.bmj.com

1. – https://www.www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

2. – https://www.www.koreaworldtimes.com

3. – https://www.www.koreatimes.co.kr

4. – https://www.www.who.int

5. – https://www.www.koreabiomed.com

6. – https://www.www.koreaherald.com

7. – https://www.www.oecd-ilibrary.org

8. – https://www.journals.plos.org

9. – https://www.www.nature.com

10. – https://www.www.kostat.go.kr

11. – https://www.www.korea.net

12. – https://www.theconversation.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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