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South Korea's Life Expectancy Soars Amidst High Suicide Rate

7/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In 2023, South Korea celebrated a remarkable life expectancy of 83.5 years, surpassing the OECD average by 2.4 years. However, this achievement is overshadowed by the nation’s alarming suicide rate, the highest among OECD countries at 23.2 per 100,000. Urgent reforms in mental health and elder care services are crucial as the population continues to age.

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Story summary

In 2023, South Korea celebrated a remarkable life expectancy of 83.5 years, surpassing the OECD average by 2.4 years. However, this achievement is overshadowed by the nation’s alarming suicide rate, the highest among OECD countries at 23.2 per 100,000. Urgent reforms in mental health and elder care services are crucial as the population continues to age.