Seoul has implemented an artificial intelligence-powered surveillance system on bridges spanning the Han River to detect and prevent suicide attempts. Since its introduction in 2021, the system has significantly improved rescue rates, reportedly increasing the survival rate from 56 percent in 2012 to over 99 percent.
The network involves nearly 900 cameras installed on 17 bridges, continuously monitoring for signs of distress or unusual behavior such as individuals lingering in specific areas or attempting to use dedicated suicide-prevention phones. When the AI system detects potentially dangerous activity, it alerts emergency response teams, who can usually arrive within five minutes—a critical intervention window, according to Kim Jun-young, chief of the Hangang Bridge CCTV Integrated Control Centre.
Kim emphasized the system’s role in providing individuals a chance to reconsider, describing the act of jumping from the bridges as akin to a high-speed car crash, underscoring the physical danger involved. However, he noted that persuading those intent on suicide can be challenging, with some resisting help or fleeing as rescuers approach. In 2025, the system identified over 1,200 incidents; despite rapid responses, about eight people could not be saved.
The use of AI technology in suicide prevention highlights broader challenges facing South Korea, which has one of the world’s highest suicide rates. In 2024, the national suicide rate surpassed 29 deaths per 100,000 people, the highest since 2011. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for those aged 10 to 49, reflecting societal pressures including academic strain, demanding work environments, and stigmatization of failure, factors cited by experts such as Yoo Jae-hyun, director of suicide prevention at Seoul St Mary’s Hospital.
Yoo explained that many individuals contemplating suicide feel like burdens to their families and communities, with young adults in their 20s constituting the largest group seeking emergency treatment after attempts. Personal stories like that of Smiling Stone Hwang, a 33-year-old cartoonist who survived a suicide attempt, illustrate the complex social and psychological dimensions of the issue. Hwang’s experience includes coping with the aftermath of her father’s suicide and its financial and emotional toll, describing suicide as once seeming like a rational choice given her hardships.
Globally, various surveillance systems use AI to assist in suicide prevention. For instance, Japanese company Asilla employs AI to identify abnormal behavior patterns in public spaces and has successfully alerted staff to individuals at risk, enabling timely intervention. However, experts stress that AI cannot replace human support nor fully resolve underlying mental health issues.
Although the AI-driven approach in Seoul demonstrates notable life-saving potential, challenges remain. Kim recounted a case where a young man was intercepted multiple times, ultimately resulting in a fatal outcome despite rapid response efforts. The tragic nature of suicide continues to drive efforts by authorities and communities alike to improve prevention and support measures.