South Korea suicide crisis deepens as intentional self-harm overtakes cancer among people in their 40s. Statistics show 14,872 people died by suicide last year, marking the highest toll in over a decade. The national suicide rate climbed to 29.1 deaths per 100,000 people, nearly three times the OECD average. Men died by suicide at 2.5 times the rate of women. Furthermore, experts warn that midlife economic pressures and mental health struggles contribute heavily to this crisis.
Suicide has long been the leading cause of death among South Koreans in their teens, 20s, and 30s. Now, it dominates among those in their 40s, a critical economic demographic. In this group, suicide accounted for 26 percent of deaths, surpassing cancer at 24.5 percent. The suicide rate rose from 31.6 to 36.2 per 100,000. Experts suggest that unlike younger groups, people in their 40s are less influenced by the “Werther effect,” where high-profile suicides increase overall rates.
The crisis also affects other age groups. Teen suicides rose to 48.2 percent of deaths, up from 46.1 percent. Among people in their 30s, the proportion increased to 44.4 percent. Death rates fell for people in their 70s and over 80s. Overall mortality rose to 358,569 deaths, a 1.7 percent increase. Cancer remained the overall leading cause, followed by heart disease and pneumonia.
Lung cancer caused the highest cancer mortality, followed by liver, colorectal, pancreatic, and stomach cancers. Deaths from prostate, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers increased notably. Heart disease remained the second-leading cause with 65.7 deaths per 100,000 people. Suicide ranked fourth at 29.1 deaths per 100,000, highlighting its growing impact. Experts stress that the aging population worsens these trends, with people aged 80 or older accounting for more than half of all deaths.
Authorities emphasize that urgent and comprehensive measures are required. South Korea suicide crisis remains the highest among OECD countries despite national campaigns. Policymakers must address mental health support, economic pressures, and elderly care simultaneously. Experts warn that without immediate action, the midlife suicide rate could rise further, worsening public health outcomes.
