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Busan’s Suicide Rate Drops Sharply, Momentum to Continue with the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day Commemorative Event

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Busan Metropolitan City, led by Mayor Chun Jae-soo, announced that it will hold the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day Commemorative Event, titled “Connecting Hope,” at 2:00 p.m. today, September 10, in the Grand Auditorium of Busan City Hall.

World Suicide Prevention Day was established by the World Health Organization and the International Association for Suicide Prevention to raise global awareness of the value of life and the seriousness of suicide. In Korea, September 10 has also been officially observed as World Suicide Prevention Day since 2011.

Approximately 600 people are expected to attend the event, including Vice Mayor for Administrative Affairs Kim Kyung-duk, Busan Superintendent of Education Kim Seok-jun, individuals recognized for their contributions to suicide prevention and their dedication to people at high risk of suicide and socially vulnerable groups, employees of related institutions and organizations, volunteers from the Busan Saemaul Association, the Busan Metropolitan Branch of the Korea Freedom Federation, and the Busan Chapter of the Korean Red Cross, as well as district and county officials.

In particular, amid a sharp nationwide decline in the suicide rate this year, the City named the event “Connecting Hope” to express its determination to sustain this positive trend and carry forward a spirit of respect for life and hope.

According to recent statistics from the National Data Office, the number of suicide deaths nationwide in the first half of this year fell by 11.8% from the same period last year, from 7,188 to 6,339. In Busan, the number declined by 21.6%, from 514 to 403, significantly exceeding the national rate of decline.

The event was therefore organized both to encourage frontline workers, volunteers, and others serving as life-saving gatekeepers and to strengthen a shared commitment to respect for life.

Under the theme of “connection,” a core strategy of the City’s suicide prevention measures, Part 1 of the event will include commendations for distinguished contributors, a citizen life-protection performance, and a commemorative performance. Part 2 will feature a special lecture by neuroscientist Jang Dong-seon.

During Part 1, mayoral commendations will be presented to 10 individuals, including three public officials and seven civilians, in recognition of their contributions to suicide prevention and fostering a culture of respect for life. Citizen representatives and distinguished guests will also take part in a citizen life-protection performance to reaffirm the commitment of citizens and local communities to look out for one another and stay connected. The Love Angels children’s vocal ensemble will also present songs of comfort and hope for citizens facing crises in their lives.

During Part 2, Jang Dong-seon will explain stress and emotional recovery from a neuroscientific perspective and introduce ways to build emotional resilience, delivering practical messages on mental well-being and recovery that can be applied in everyday life.

The Busan Saemaul Association will also conduct a campaign to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention, adding further significance to the event.

A variety of events and campaigns promoting respect for life will also take place throughout Busan in connection with World Suicide Prevention Day.

At 3:00 p.m. today, September 10, the Busan Metropolitan Council of the Movement for Living Right will conduct a respect-for-life campaign titled “Bringing Warmth to Your Heart” at Busan Station Plaza. The City’s 16 districts and counties, together with local community mental health welfare centers, will also carry out suicide prevention activities tailored to local circumstances to raise public awareness and help spread a culture of respect for life in everyday life.

Busan Lifeline will conclude Suicide Prevention Week with the 2026 Life-Loving Night Walk, to be held at 6:00 p.m. on September 19 at Songnim Park on Haeundae Beach.

Meanwhile, the City has declared this year the inaugural year of its life-respect initiative and is shifting the paradigm of its suicide prevention policy from a focus on post-incident response to proactive prevention.

In particular, using this event as an opportunity, the City plans to strengthen cooperation with institutions and organizations that work closely with residents throughout local communities. Through these partnerships, it will build a comprehensive safety net that more carefully identifies citizens experiencing difficulties and connects them with the support they need.

Vice Mayor for Administrative Affairs Kim Kyung-duk said, “The steady decline in suicide deaths this year is the result of efforts by everyone in our community, and public awareness makes our society’s safety net for protecting life even stronger.”

He added, “We will continue to work with citizens to build a connected city without isolation and a happy Busan where life thrives, ensuring that no one has to face hardship alone by encouraging people to look out for one another and stay connected.”

Anyone struggling with difficult-to-discuss concerns, including feelings of depression, or anyone with a family member or acquaintance experiencing such difficulties, can receive professional counseling 24 hours a day by calling the Suicide Prevention Counseling Hotline at 109 or through the suicide prevention social media counseling service “Madlan.”