South Korea has launched a new nationwide push to strengthen suicide prevention by formally partnering with major religious communities.
The initiative marked an unprecedented effort to build a “culture of respect for life,” according to a report by the Vatican’s Fides News Agency.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and representatives from multiple faiths signed the framework agreement on Nov. 24 at the first “Government-Religion Cooperation Forum,” held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Seoul.
The accord aims to unify government and religious initiatives at a time when suicide remains one of the country’s most urgent public-health challenges.
Addressing participants, Kim said the pressing issues facing the nation require deeper cooperation. “There are important challenges that the government and religious communities must face together,” he stressed, highlighting the low birth rate, suicide prevention, and efforts to promote respect for life.
He described the agreement as “a significant opportunity to establish a system of cooperation on key social issues,” adding, “We will continue working together to prevent suicide and strengthen a culture of respect for life.”
Faith leaders welcomed the partnership and affirmed their commitment to play an active role in addressing the crisis.
Bishop Lee Yong-hoon of Suwon, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea, called the timing of the agreement crucial.
“It is timely that the government and religious communities have signed this agreement and launched suicide prevention campaigns. I hope it will be an opportunity for our society and that the Catholic Church will actively participate in this cultural endeavor,” the prelate said.
He highlighted the Church’s teaching that human life comes from God, is sacred and cannot be violated, and said this principle guides the Catholic commitment to uphold the dignity of every person and advance efforts that prevent suicide.
Kim Jong-hyuk, president of the United Church of Korea, said, “It is a good thing that the government has included the issue of respect for life on the fundamental national agenda. The Christian Council of Korea and the entire Christian community will actively collaborate in this commitment.”
From the Buddhist community, Venerable Seongung of the Jogye Order said the gathering reinforced shared values. “The meeting has deeply reaffirmed the value of life. Our religious order will take responsibility and continue striving to prevent suicide.”
Won Buddhism also signaled support for closer collaboration. Na Sang-ho, representing the tradition, added, “I believe that religion can play the role of a mother who unconditionally embraces humanity.”
South Korea continues to record the highest suicide rate among OECD countries. In 2023, 29.1 deaths per 100,000 people were attributed to suicide, totaling 14,872 deaths.
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for people aged 10 to 49, while elderly Koreans continue to face heightened risks linked to poverty and limited social support.
The national suicide rate has nearly doubled over the past 20 years, defying global trends and rising sharply among young women in their 20s and 30s.
