South Korea records a record number of suicides among school students
In 2025, 244 elementary, middle and high school students in South Korea died by suicide — the highest figure since such statistics began to be kept. As Korea Herald reports, the Education Ministry's data were obtained by Kim Moon-soo, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea.
Increase over five years
Among those who died were six elementary school students, 92 middle school students and 146 high school students. Compared with 2024, when 221 deaths were recorded, the figure rose by 10.4%. Compared with 2020, when 148 such deaths were reported, the increase was 64.9%.
The number of cases increased in Seoul, Busan and South Gyeongsang Province. Seoul recorded 51 deaths, compared with 40 a year earlier. In Busan, the number of cases rose from seven to 22, and in South Gyeongsang Province, from 20 to 25.
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Factors listed in the statistics
In Gyeonggi Province, which has the largest number of school students, 51 deaths were recorded — fewer than the 63 recorded in 2024. This is the region's lowest figure since 2021.
In the statistics, family problems were listed among the factors in 77 cases, mental health problems in 58, academic and career issues in 54, and interpersonal relationships in 38. In 79 cases, the main factor was unknown. Several factors could be listed for one death.
In June, the South Korean government announced a nationwide strategy to prevent suicides among adolescents. It envisages reducing the suicide rate in this age group by approximately half by 2035.
