South Korea student suicides reach record high

Student suicides among elementary, middle, and high school students in South Korea reached record highs in 2025. Government data indicates that 243 to 244 students died by suicide, marking a significant increase from 148 deaths recorded in 2020.

Reports show that the majority of these students faced various difficulties in the year preceding their deaths. Key contributing factors identified include family issues, mental health struggles, academic and career concerns, and interpersonal relationship conflicts. Specifically, approximately 78.5% of students in one analysis reported facing difficulties such as fear of academic failure or conflict with parents.

Regional data shows increases in Seoul, Busan, and South Gyeongsang Province, while Gyeonggi Province saw a decrease. In response to the rising numbers, the government has announced a nationwide strategy aimed at reducing the teenage suicide rate by approximately half by 2035 through strengthened mental health support programs and school-based policies.