South Korean President Urges Citizens Not to Commit Suicide Amid Decline in Cases

The President of South Korea, Lee Jae-myung, has taken to social media to urge citizens not to give up on life, even in the face of difficulties. The plea comes as the country reports a decrease in suicide cases, with 7,432 deaths recorded from January to July 2026, a 12.3% drop from the previous year. Despite the decline, South Korea maintains the highest suicide rate among OECD countries, with 27.8 cases per 100,000 residents in 2025. The President encouraged those struggling to seek professional help by calling a special hotline.