Over the five-year period leading up to last year, student suicides in elementary, middle, and high schools across South Korea increased by nearly 65 percent, according to data released on September 13 by Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Moon-su of the National Assembly Education Committee. Based on records provided by the Ministry of Education, the total number of student deaths by suicide reached 244 last year, comprising 6 elementary school students, 92 middle school students, and 146 high school students. This figure represents a 10.4 percent increase from the 221 student suicides recorded in 2024, marking a record high, and a 64.9 percent jump from the 148 deaths reported in 2020.
Regional Disparities and Statistical Breakdown
Geographic analysis reveals sharp increases in student suicide numbers across specific regions, led by major metropolitan areas and provinces. According to the data submitted to lawmaker Kim Moon-su, Seoul and Busan recorded increases of more than two times over the five-year span, while Gyeongnam saw a 3.6-fold rise and Chungnam experienced a 4.7-fold increase. In Seoul, student suicides rose to 51 last year from 40 in 2024 and 22 in 2020. Busan recorded 22 student suicides last year, more than triple the 7 reported in 2024 and double the 11 from 2020. Gyeongnam reached 25 cases last year, up from 20 in 2024 and 7 in 2020. Gangwon saw an increase from 3 cases in 2020 to 9 last year, and Chungnam grew from 3 to 14 cases over the same period.
Conversely, Gyeonggi Province—which has the largest student population—reported 51 student suicides last year, down 19.0 percent from 63 cases in 2024, marking its lowest total since 2021 though still above the 38 cases recorded in 2020. Four regions saw decreases when comparing last year’s figures to 2020: Jeju dropped from 2 cases to 1, Jeonnam fell from 7 to 5, Jeonbuk decreased from 8 to 5, and Chungbuk went from 3 to 2. Incheon (12 cases) and Ulsan (3 cases) maintained identical totals between 2020 and last year.
Did You Know? The Ministry of Education initially reported 243 student suicide deaths for last year when it announced the “10-Year Youth Suicide Prevention Pan-Government Promotion Strategy” in June, but the total was adjusted to 244 after a final collection process involving regional offices of education.
Underlying Factors and Government Strategy
Student suicide reports point to multiple contributing pressures, including family dynamics, interpersonal conflicts, and online hazardous information. However, academic and career concerns occupy a notable share of the reported cases. According to Ministry of Education data compiled from school safety reports where teachers estimated causes, family issues ranked highest with 77 cases last year. Psychiatric issues followed with 58 cases, academic and career problems accounted for 54 cases, and interpersonal difficulties registered 38 cases, while 79 cases had unknown causes.
Academic and career challenges appeared as an estimated factor in more than one out of every five student suicide cases last year. The government announced its comprehensive prevention strategy in June with the objective of cutting the teen suicide rate in half by 2035. Lawmaker Kim Moon-su emphasized the need for a collaborative approach involving families, the government, local authorities, and educational bodies. “The Ministry of Education, offices of education, education support offices, and schools must all step up to prevent children from taking their own lives,” Kim stated, calling for strengthened student mental health support programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many student suicides were recorded nationwide last year?
According to Ministry of Education data provided to the National Assembly, a total of 244 elementary, middle, and high school students died by suicide last year.
Which regions experienced the most significant increases over five years?
Seoul and Busan recorded increases of more than two times, while Gyeongnam saw a 3.6-fold rise and Chungnam experienced a 4.7-fold increase compared to 2020 figures.
What were the primary estimated causes cited in student suicide reports?
Ministry of Education data based on teacher-estimated reports lists family issues as the most frequent factor with 77 cases, followed by psychiatric issues at 58 cases, academic and career problems at 54 cases, and interpersonal issues at 38 cases.
How do communities respond when youth face severe academic or psychological distress?