North korean leader Kim Jong-un reportedly issued a secret order to local officials that would stop the suicides According to government officials who spoke to Radio Free Asia, the numbers skyrocketed following internal data.
The exact number of suicides in North Korea is difficult to ascertain, Because the government rarely gives information about the shortcomings of the country. However, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service estimated in May that there had been a 40% increase in suicides compared to the previous year.
Kim called the suicide an “act of treason against socialism”. The directive further said that local government officials would be jointly responsible for failing to prevent people from committing suicide in their jurisdiction. The secret order was mentioned at a series of emergency meetings in North Korea’s provinces, said an official in the northeastern province of North Hamgyeong, who spoke anonymously to protect his safety.
The official told Radio Free Asia that data was provided on the number of suicides as well as instances of entire families committing suicide. The official said that those who attended the meeting He was “shocked by the release of suicide notes criticizing the country and the social system”., Another official from neighboring Rianggang province, who also withheld his identity to protect his safety, said suicides were affecting the community more than hunger.
“Despite confirmation of the suicide prevention policy by the secretary general, the officials could not find a suitable solution,” the official said. “Most of the suicides are due to extreme poverty and starvation, so no one can find a solution right now,” he said.
During the meeting, there were discussions that included graphic depictions of suicide cases, including more cases of entire families committing suicide. According to 2019 data from the World Health Organisation, there were 8.2 suicides per 100,000 residents in North Korea, which places the country at 45th place in the world ranking of suicide rates.
