SPOTLIGHT 25/10/26 Religions join to tackle rising suicides among South Korea’s elder

[성기화 요셉]

Growing social isolation, driven by economic instability and health problems, is said to be a reason for increasing suicides 

Catholic, Protestant, Buddhist, and Won Buddhist forum participants are seen during a gathering in Seoul, South Korea, on Oct. 26. (Photo: Catholic Times of Korea)

By UCA News Reporter

Published: November 03, 2025 10:35 AM GMT

Updated: November 03, 2025 10:36 AM GMT

Religious groups in South Korea have joined hands to address the country’s alarming rise in suicides and solitary deaths among middle-aged and older people, a demographic increasingly affected by isolation and mental health struggles.

Representatives of Catholics, Protestants, Buddhists, and Won Buddhists attended an Oct. 26 discussion focused on the suicide crisis among people aged 40 and above — the age group with the highest suicide rate in the country — and called for stronger community and policy interventions.

“Suicide and solitary deaths among middle-aged and older men have become particularly severe since the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Professor Hwang Soon-chan of Inha University in his keynote address.

He cited growing social isolation driven by economic instability, health problems, and “traditional masculinity that avoids seeking help.”

According to a report published in the Journal of the Korean Medical Association, nearly 10 senior citizens took their own lives on average each day from 2019 to 2023.

The study, led by Oh Dae-jong of Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, found that 18,044 people aged 65 and older died by suicide during the period — roughly 3,000 deaths per year.

The suicide mortality rate among seniors in 2023 stood at 40.6 deaths per 100,000 people, 45 percent higher than the rate among those aged 15 to 64, The Korea Herald reported.

The country’s senior population surpassed 10 million last year, according to official data.

During the panel discussion, Lee Dong-ho of the Seoul Catholic Social Welfare Association said the group’s Yeon-Go Project has supported socially isolated households since 2023 by building “dense community networks to help isolated neighbors achieve self-reliance.”

Protestant participants said churches have been operating community kitchens and lunchbox delivery programs for people living alone in goshiwon (small shared rooms).

“It’s important to reach out directly,” said Pastor Choi Seok-jin of Life Hope Church, who has set up counseling spaces in such neighborhoods.

Venerable Hyean, vice president of the Buddhist Counseling Development Institute, stressed that older adults should “feel alive by helping others,” urging them to engage in volunteer work, self-help groups, and education.

“True respect for life begins when one changes from being a recipient to a co-creator of life,” he said.

The Won Buddhism Round Heart Counseling Research Center shared case studies of counseling programs that have helped middle-aged and elderly participants rediscover purpose and resilience.

Launched in 2018, the annual multi-faith forum seeks to strengthen cooperation among South Korea’s major religions to promote suicide prevention and foster community solidarity.