South Korea adopts sixth suicide prevention plan ahead of schedule

South Korea approved its sixth suicide prevention plan on October 12, bringing forward a new package of support after the rise in deaths recorded in 2024.

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook chaired the policy committee meeting that finalised the plan. The preceding five-year plan had been announced in 2023 and was intended to run through 2027.

The measures include psychological care, counselling and a national response office. Authorities plan to increase average staffing at prevention centres from five people to 7.1 by 2027, operate temporary shelters and expand assistance with medical costs.

Support also includes help restructuring long-term debts, emergency living expenses for high-risk groups and counselling for students and workers in high-stress occupations, including soldiers, police and firefighters. Officials said AI would be used to help predict risks.

Yonhap reported 7,432 suicide deaths between January and July this year, a decline of 12.3%, or 1,043 deaths, from the same period in 2025. The annual rate fell from 29.1 deaths per 100,000 people in 2024 to 27.8 in 2025.

The government describes prevention as a responsibility across ministries, with the plan combining a safety net, outreach, structural support, integrated care and community accountability.