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[대담한K] 20년째 OECD 자살률 1위…“개인 아닌 사회 문제” / KBS 2025.09.09.

Main summary

Key takeaways

News and Commentary

World Suicide Prevention Day: Korea’s High Suicide Rates

The discussion centers on World Suicide Prevention Day and highlights that Korea’s suicide rates—especially among women in their 20s–30s and among the elderly in an aging society—are the highest in the world according to OECD figures.

The guest argues this is not only an individual mental-health problem (e.g., depression), but also a broader social issue.

Key Points and Analyses

Women (20s–30s) and elderly suicide risk

The panel emphasizes that suicide risk spans multiple life stages, including older adults in Korea’s rapidly aging population.

Why Busan’s suicide rate is higher than the national average

  • Suicide rate comparisons are based on suicides per 100,000 people.
  • Busan’s higher rate is linked to its faster aging pace compared with other cities, where elderly rates rise sharply, especially in the 80+ age group.
  • Elderly poverty is also cited: higher suicide rates appear in local areas with a larger population of low-income elderly people.

Teen/adolescent suicide trend is worsening

  • The discussion notes an increase since 2011, particularly among teenagers.
  • Teen suicide rate figures cited:
    • Rising from 5.4 (2020) to 7.9 (2023)
    • Female students increasing to about twice the rate of male students (a notable shift from the typical pattern where males are higher overall).
  • Causes mentioned:
    • Many cases report the cause as unknown
    • Where causes are analyzed, they include:
      • Depression/pessimism
      • Family problems / domestic discord
      • Sometimes pessimism related to sexual performance
  • Explanations offered include worsening adolescent mental health during the prolonged COVID-19 period, and family conflict tied to economic recession and development-related stressors.
  • The guest notes that today’s patterns seem broader and more complex than earlier debates that attributed youth suicide mostly to sexual factors or excessive competition.

Suicide attempts are rising—and may be a key warning signal

  • The panel stresses that attempt rates are far higher than actual suicides—nearly ten times.
  • Attempt rate trends cited:
    • Increased around 2020 (growth ~2%)
    • Cited as 2.9 in 2023, rising further
  • Busan-specific example:
    • Cases increased from 112 (2021) to 159 (2023)
  • In both suicide and attempts, depression/anxiety and family problems are frequently identified.

Prevention Efforts and How Intervention Works

Early detection and screening

The Office of Education is described as running projects for mental health support, including early screening.

Monitoring suicide cues on social media

Activities such as a “Social Media Suicide Prevention Watchdog” aim to identify warning signs online (including YouTube and internet communities).

24-hour counseling hotline (Life Line / Busan Life Line)

  • Operates 24/7 with rotating shifts.
  • While calls come in continuously, there are often more calls at night, related to suicide-related signs.

“Berthe/Werther effect” dynamic

The panel notes that hotline-promoting messages beneath suicide-related news can trigger action—especially when people feel psychological turmoil after seeing such news, often referenced as the Werther effect.

How to identify signals before an attempt

  • The guest emphasizes that many people send warning signals:
    • Allegedly about 80% send suicide-related signals
    • Pre-detection is less than 30%
  • Busan (teen survey) claim:
    • Nearly 97% send signals, but early detection remains low.
  • Common warning signs include:

Warning signs

  • Language changes
    • Talking about death
    • “Wanting to die”
    • Questioning one’s worth
  • Behavior changes
    • Shifts in sleep or eating patterns
  • Emotional/organizational changes
    • Tidying up
    • Organizing belongings
    • Giving away items (suggesting imminent intent)

Recommended response

  • Ask directly whether the person is thinking about suicide
  • Stay with them
  • Encourage seeking professional help

Practical Guidance Provided

  • Hotline numbers mentioned are integrated into 109 as part of a government initiative:
    • Busan suicide prevention number: 158-8919
    • Nationwide number: 158-8919
  • Online counseling availability is also referenced.

Presenters / Contributors

  • Director Hong Jae-bong (Busan Life Telephone / Life Line)
  • (Video studio host / interviewer, unnamed in the subtitles)

Original video