ASIA/KOREA – Agreement between state and religions to prevent the social scourge of suicide

Seoul – The Korean government has signed a framework agreement with religious leaders to promote a culture of respect for life and prevent suicide, a phenomenon that continues to seriously affect South Korean society. The theme of “respect for life” has found full agreement among religious communities, which have expressed their willingness to actively engage in this area.
The document was signed on November 24 by Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and representatives of various religions, at the conclusion of the first “Government-Religion Cooperation Forum,” held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Seoul. During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized: “There are important challenges that the government and religious communities must face together,” referring in particular to the low birth rate, suicide prevention, and the promotion of respect for life.
“This is a significant opportunity to establish a system of cooperation on key social issues. We will continue working together to prevent suicide and strengthen a culture of respect for life,” he added. Among the religious leaders present, Bishop Lee Yong-hoon of Suwon, President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea, stated: “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.” “We Catholics,” Bishop Lee emphasized, “profess that life belongs to God and is sacred and inviolable because it has been given to us by Him. Therefore, we promote respect for life and disseminate teachings aimed at preventing suicide.” Kim Jong-hyuk, president of the United Church of Korea, stated, “It is a godd 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.” Venerable Seongung, director of the General Affairs Department of the Korean Jogye Buddhist Order, emphasized, “The meeting has deeply reaffirmed the value of life. Our religious order will take responsibility and continue striving to prevent suicide.”
Na Sang-ho, a representative of Won Buddhism, added, “I believe that religion can play the role of a mother who unconditionally embraces humanity.”
South Korea recorded the highest suicide rate among OECD countries in 2023, with 29.1 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants , more than double the OECD average. Suicide remains the leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 49, while among the elderly the phenomenon is exacerbated by poverty and a lack of social support. In the last two decades, the suicide rate in the country has almost doubled, in contrast to the global decline, with a worrying increase among young people, especially women between the ages of 20 and 30.

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