South Korea adopts sixth suicide-prevention plan with AI risk tools
The South Korean government approved its sixth Suicide Prevention Basic Plan, adding AI-based risk prediction and expanding support services.
During a policy committee session led by Prime Minister Han Seong-sook, South Korea finalized its sixth Suicide Prevention Basic Plan, accelerating its rollout after a spike in suicide rates in 2024. The "BASIC" strategy—basic safety net, active outreach, structural support, integrated care and community accountability—guides new measures, including the creation of a national suicide response office and a boost in personnel at prevention centers to 7.1 staff by 2027.
Temporary shelters will be operated and medical expense subsidies increased. The government will also employ artificial intelligence to forecast suicide risk, restructure long-term debts for vulnerable groups, and provide emergency living allowances. Targeted counseling will focus on students and high-stress professions such as the military, police and firefighters, reflecting a whole-government approach to the issue.
Why it matters
South Korea's new plan aims to curb its historically high suicide rates by expanding support and using AI to identify at-risk individuals.
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