President Lee Jae-myung directs the establishment of a suicide prevention task force - South Korea's challenge as the country with the highest suicide rate

Introduction: The Crisis of Silence Faced by the Nation

South Korea has recorded the highest suicide rate in the world for a long time. The stigma of being the number one in suicide rates among OECD member countries has persisted for over 20 years, and the figure is more than double the OECD average. According to the National Statistics Office, more than 14,000 citizens take their own lives each year, which averages out to about 40 people per day. This reality suggests that there are structural flaws that are excessively burdensome for individuals to bear, beyond mere social misfortune. In this context, President Lee Jae-myung's mention during the Cabinet meeting and the safety and security inspection meeting on June 5th that "shouldn't we create a separate suicide prevention task force?" was not merely a policy suggestion but a declaration of how the state should treat the dignity of life. This essay aims to analyze the symbolic and policy significance of the President's remarks, as well as the structural problems faced by Korean society and potential responses.

Current Status of Suicide Rates in Korea

The suicide rate in South Korea goes beyond simply being high it serves as an indicator reflecting a structural crisis across society. Particularly among the elderly, poverty and social isolation are significant factors, while among the younger generation, extreme competition for university entrance, difficulty in finding jobs, and an unstable social structure emerge as the main backgrounds for suicide. The increasing suicide rates among adolescents and young adults is a matter that must be taken particularly seriously. The government recognizes suicide as a social disaster rather than a disease or a crime, yet emergency medical systems, mental health support, and community linkage systems remain fragmented and superficial. While there is a national response to prevent suicide, questions have been raised about its effectiveness and sustainability.

The symbolism and background of the presidential directive

President Lee Jae-myung is approaching the issue of suicide rates not merely as a statistic or a policy target, but as a matter of human dignity. In particular, he has confessed in his autobiography to having attempted suicide twice during his childhood, and he reiterated in the recent meeting that "protecting the lives of citizens is the country's primary duty." This confession demonstrates that policy decisions stem from a genuine recognition of the issue rather than bureaucratic justification. The reason this statement is particularly noteworthy is that the President directly mentioned the need for the establishment of a suicide prevention organization, elevating the issue to the highest agenda level. This statement defines the problem of suicide as a national responsibility that the entire society must share and address, suggesting a need to move beyond the existing localized and limited approaches.

The Policy Significance of Establishing a Suicide Prevention Organization

The current suicide prevention policy is operated under a management system centered around the Ministry of Health and Welfare, with suicide prevention centers established in each local government. However, this system is evaluated to have limitations in producing substantial effects due to weak inter-departmental connections and uneven resource allocation. If a suicide prevention committee directly under the president or an inter-agency collaboration task force is established, it could create a focal point for policies and significantly enhance implementation capability. The establishment of a government-wide organization would allow for organic connections among health, welfare, education, employment, and community administration, and it is particularly expected to make significant progress in areas such as crisis signal detection systems, mental health counseling, and emergency response infrastructure. Most importantly, a data-driven approach would establish a foundation for systematically analyzing suicide risk groups based on age, region, and gender, enabling proactive responses.

Tasks and Expectations

Of course, just because an agency is created does not mean that the suicide rate will immediately decrease. The key lies in the agency's authority and independence, the securing of an operational budget, and its political neutrality. To prevent issues directly related to life from being entangled in political logic, a long-term and sustainable strategy is essential. Additionally, efforts to shift public perception must be undertaken concurrently. It should be made clear that suicide is a problem that the entire society must share, not just an individual's responsibility, and the role of education and media in reducing the stigma around mental health is crucial. Through this, suicide prevention agencies should function not merely as administrative organizations but as the heart of the nation that protects the value of life.

Conclusion: The Beginning of Politics that Protects Life

The reality of having the highest suicide rate in the OECD is not just a simple statistic, but a result and a warning of how our society has systematically turned a blind eye to its people. President Lee Jae-myung's directive to establish a suicide prevention organization is a strong expression of his determination to prioritize the dignity of life in national policy. By publicly addressing his past and raising this issue, he is calling for a social paradigm shift that goes beyond mere institutional reforms. Now is the time for Korean society to restructure its welfare, education, healthcare, and community systems with the focus on life and dignity. Politics that protect life cannot be enough with mere declarations. It must be proven through action. To overcome the tragedy of having the highest suicide rate, it is now time for practice. We have the opportunity to prove the most fundamental proposition that the state exists for its people.