Policy issues and directions for a rapid increase in suicides in Korea

Abstract

Korea has the highest suicide rates among the OECD country. The rate of suicide was risen sharply since mid-1990s. Fast population aging of the country affects an increase in suicide rates. The suicide rates had been rising sharply in the recession of 1998 and 2008. Suicide rates in rural areas of Korea are significantly higher than the national average. Suicide is the leading cause of death among 10- to 19-year-old youth, and also among the nation's labor force in the core age group of 20 to 39. Unstable employees in their 40s and 50s, and the elderly who is not prepared for their later years leads Korea’s suicide rates.