Suicide remains the leading cause of death in South Korea according to the Yonhap agency. Government estimates that suicide was the leading cause of death for people aged from 9 to 24 years in 2012. This is the sixth consecutive year that suicide emerged as the main cause of death that has topped the list in that age group since the mid-200s surpassing traffic accidents and cancer. Reasons for suicide is connected to stress as well as financial problems with one out of every ten young people in South Korea admitting that the thought of committing suicide has crossed their mind. After suicide, came car accidents and cancer as causes of death for young South Koreans.

The government has taken various measures to address the problem by setting up hotlines, providing counselling and installing anti-suicide monitors on bridges.