Lee cites first-half statistics in X post; calls improving livelihoods key to building a society of hope

President Lee Jae Myung [Yonhap]
President Lee Jae Myung [Yonhap]

President Lee Jae Myung said Friday that the number of suicide deaths must be cut by at least half and called on the public to "build a world of hope together."

Lee made the remarks in a post on X, formerly Twitter, where he shared statistics showing that suicide deaths in the first half of 2026 fell by 910 cases, or 12.7 percent, compared with the same period last year. "The sharp drop in suicide deaths is the most meaningful and significant achievement among our government's many accomplishments," he said.

"There is nothing more precious than a human life," Lee added. He expressed deep gratitude to the prime minister, who oversees the effort, as well as the civil servants and workers involved, and urged them to redouble their efforts.

While crediting the decline as a major government achievement, Lee stressed that improving the economy and people's livelihoods was essential to driving further reductions.

"But there is still a long way to go," he said. "Practical measures — personnel, organization, budget — are important, but the most fundamental solution is building a society with hope, and the core of that is addressing the basic question of how people make ends meet, which means improving livelihoods."

He went on to say that this was precisely why the government had made the economy and people's livelihoods its top priority and why reversing an economic growth rate that had fallen below 1 percent was the most urgent task.

Lee closed his post with the words: "Let us build a world of hope together."

If you're thinking about self-harm or suicide, dial the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 109, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please request a translator for English-language services.


sang@heraldcorp.com