Teens, young adults account for 4 in 10 ER visits for self-harm

An ambulance is parked outside an emergency room at a hospital in Seoul, Oct. 9, 2024. Yonhap

Nearly four in 10 people who visited emergency rooms last year as a result of self-inflicted injuries or suicide attempts were in their teens or 20s, highlighting growing mental health concerns among young people and the urgent need for stronger prevention measures.

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the National Medical Center, 35,170 cases of self-inflicted injury or suicide attempts were seen at regional and local emergency medical centers last year.

Although the total number dropped by roughly 11,000 from 2023, these cases still accounted for 0.8 percent of all ER visits for the third consecutive year, reflecting a broader decline in overall emergency care use.

Of those who attempted self-harm or suicide, roughly 21,500 were women, accounting for 61.1 percent, while nearly 13,700 were men, representing 38.9 percent.

By age group, people in their 20s made up the largest share at 23.6 percent, followed by teenagers at 16.3 percent — together accounting for 39.9 percent. Those in their 30s represented 14.7 percent, those in their 40s accounted for 14.3 percent and those in their 50s were 13.1 percent.

ER visits linked to self-injury peaked in January at 10.7 percent, a pattern mirrored in suicide fatalities.

Suicide deaths rose for both men and women last January compared to the same month the year before. The number of women who died by suicide rose 9.1 percent, from 298 to 325, while suicides among men rose 42.4 percent, from 689 to 981.

Experts say the spike may be tied to the “Werther effect,” where the suicide of a well-known figure can lead to similar cases. The suicide death of actor Lee Sun-kyun in December 2023 may have influenced vulnerable individuals.

If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide, contact Korea's Suicide Crisis hotline at 109. For foreign language assistance to connect with mental health professionals, call Danuri Portal's helpline at 1577-1366.