Korea’s suicide crisis may be easing. For teens, it isn’t

What happened: South Korea recorded 14,144 suicide deaths in 2025, down 728 from 14,872 the previous year, but the suicide rate among those aged 10 to 19 rose 7.5 percent to 8.6 deaths per 100,000, the highest since data collection began in 1983. Key numbers: 14,144 suicide deaths in 2025, down 728 year-on-year. Why it matters: Teenagers were the only age group with a rising rate while all others fell, and experts point to stigma and missed warning signs as barriers to help. The government unveiled measures including expanding school mental health teams from 56 to 100 by 2030.

South Korea recorded 14,144 suicide deaths in 2025, down 728 from 14,872 the previous year, but the suicide rate among those aged 10 to 19 rose 7.5 percent to 8.6 deaths per 100,000, the highest since data collection began in 1983.

Teenagers were the only age group with a rising rate while all others fell, and experts point to stigma and missed warning signs as barriers to help. The government unveiled measures including expanding school mental health teams from 56 to 100 by 2030.