Jincheon-gun’s suicide death rate in 2023 was the lowest in North Chungcheong Province. In 2023, Jincheon-gun’s suicide death rate was the lowest in North Chungcheong Province, proving that it is a good city to live in.
According to the ‘2023 Cause of Death Statistics Results’ recently announced by Statistics Korea, the suicide death rate in Jincheon-gun in 2023 was 22.1%, the lowest among the 11 cities and counties in Chungcheongbuk-do. This figure is very low compared to 27.3% nationwide and 33.3% in North Chungcheong Province, ranking 198th out of 226 cities, counties and districts nationwide and 73rd out of 82 counties nationwide.
The number and mortality rate of suicide deaths in Jincheon-gun has been continuously decreasing for three years: 33 people, 39.2% in ’21, 26 people, 30.4% in ’22, and 19 people, 22.1% in ’23.
Although the national number of suicide deaths and suicide death rate in 2023 increased compared to 2022, Jincheon-gun decreased by 7 and 8.3%, respectively.
However, the Jincheon-gun Public Health Center, together with the Jincheon-gun Mental Health Welfare Center, contributed greatly to lowering the suicide death rate by promoting various suicide prevention projects such as the life-respecting safe village project, early detection of high-risk groups for suicide, treatment linkage, suicide prevention education, and community network linkage.
Jincheon-gun Mayor Song Ki-seop said, “Suicide is a social problem that is fully preventable, and a little attention to those around us who need help can be the first step in preventing suicide.” He added, “Jincheon-gun is building a foundation for suicide prevention to protect precious lives.” “We will spare no effort and investment in strengthening and expanding mental health services for those at high risk of suicide,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jincheon-gun will hold the ’2024 Saenggeojincheon Traditional Market Moonlight Emotional Festival’ at the Saenggeojincheon Traditional Market in Unsu Daetong for two days from November 1.
This event was selected in this year’s contest for a special project to revitalize traditional markets in North Chungcheong Province, and was planned to provide local residents with opportunities to enjoy culture and promote the unique charm of Saenggeojincheon Traditional Market.
The festival runs for two days from 12:00 to 21:00 (9 hours), and you can enjoy a variety of programs such as a night market, flea market, Apple Tree Orchestra performance composed of local youth, merchant association band performance, fusion traditional Korean music, magic show, and prize drawing.
In particular, during the event period, there is a free family glamping experience event (advance reservation) where the whole family can enjoy the autumn night together, 8 experience centers such as cookie making prepared by merchant members, and a youth market run by students from the Jincheon Commercial High School Entrepreneurship Club, etc. This is prepared to add to the joy and fun of the festival.
Jeong Ki-cheol, Chairman of the Merchants’ Association of Saenggeojincheon Traditional Market, said, “We hope that this festival will bring new vitality to the traditional market and become a place of harmony that residents can enjoy together.” He added, “We hope that local residents will continue to show interest in and use the traditional market.”
Jincheon-gun announced on the 31st that it produced a card news about the support project to overcome low birth rate supported by the county to improve awareness of low birth rate. The card news for the support project to overcome low birth rate was produced to raise interest in the low birth rate issue among county residents and introduce various support projects.
Support projects include △Support for loan interest for wedding expenses △Support for first meeting vouchers △Maternity and childcare allowance △Childbirth incentives △Postpartum cooking expenses for pregnant women △Transportation expenses for pregnant women in military areas △Support for interest on loans for pregnant and childbirth families △Children’s allowance △Parents’ salary △Making albums for infants and toddlers △Support for daycare centers, kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school entrance congratulatory funds △Support for families with multiple children, etc.
A military official said, “We will discover and actively promote various support measures to overcome the low birth rate, which is directly related to the future of Jincheon-gun and all of us.”
Economy Queen reporter Choi Hana photo Jincheon-gun
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news! Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Hayoon Lee, a mental health expert who has been actively involved in suicide prevention initiatives across South Korea. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lee!
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Jincheon-gun has made headlines for recording the lowest suicide death rate in North Chungcheong Province in 2023. What do you think contributed to this impressive achievement?
Dr. Lee: Indeed, Jincheon-gun’s statistics are quite remarkable. The decrease in the suicide rate can be attributed to a combination of proactive mental health initiatives and community engagement. The Jincheon-gun Public Health Center and the Mental Health Welfare Center have implemented several programs that focus on early detection of high-risk individuals and provide educational resources to the community.
Interviewer: That’s fascinating! The article mentions specific programs like the “life-respecting safe village project.” Can you delve a little deeper into what these projects entail?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely! The “life-respecting safe village project” aims to foster a supportive environment where community members are educated about mental health and the signs of distress in others. By promoting awareness and encouraging residents to look out for one another, individuals are more likely to seek help rather than suffer in silence. Additionally, the project facilitates mental health check-ups and provides necessary support for those identified as high-risk.
Interviewer: It’s clear that community support plays a vital role in suicide prevention. Jincheon-gun’s mayor emphasized that suicide is a preventable social problem. In your opinion, what should be the next steps for cities looking to replicate Jincheon’s success?
Dr. Lee: Collaboration is key. Local governments should work hand-in-hand with mental health organizations to develop tailored programs that address their community’s specific needs. Regular training for community members on mental first aid, coupled with accessible mental health services, can also make a significant difference. Hosting community events, similar to the upcoming Moonlight Emotional Festival in Jincheon-gun, can help reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues and foster an environment of openness and support.
Interviewer: Speaking of community events, the festival not only promotes local culture but also emphasizes family and communal experiences. Why are such events important in the context of mental health?
Dr. Lee: Community events serve as a platform for connection and can significantly reduce feelings of isolation among individuals. They provide opportunities for families to bond, which can positively impact mental well-being. Participating in fun activities, like the ones planned for the festival—including glamping and performances—can uplift spirits and reinforce community ties, which are critical protective factors against mental health issues.
Interviewer: That makes a lot of sense. It’s encouraging to see that Jincheon-gun has not only decreased its suicide rate but is also creating a vibrant community space with events like the Moonlight Emotional Festival. Final thoughts—what message do you hope people take away regarding mental health and suicide prevention?
Dr. Lee: It’s vital to understand that seeking help is a sign of strength, and we are all in this together. Simple actions, like checking in on friends and family, can create a ripple effect in preventing suicide. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and we should engage in open conversations about it. I hope communities everywhere will take the initiative to foster understanding, support, and proactive measures like Jincheon-gun.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for sharing your insights! It’s been an enlightening conversation about Jincheon-gun’s initiatives and the importance of community in mental health.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! I hope we can inspire more communities to take action for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.