Councilwoman Kim Ki-duck of Seoul City stated in a report that men were finding it more difficult to get employment and to meet women who would marry them due to women’s greater engagement in labor over time.
According to him, there has been a shift in the country towards a female-dominated society, which could be a contributing factor to the rise in male suicide attempts.
South Korea has one of the worst records for gender equality and one of the worst suicide rates among wealthy nations worldwide.
Councillor Kim’s comments have come under fire for being the latest in a line of improper comments made by male politicians.
Using data on the amount of suicide attempts at bridges along Seoul’s Han river, Democratic Party councillor Kim came to his conclusion.
According to the data, which was posted on the official website of the municipal council, there were 1,035 suicide attempts along the river in 2023 compared to 430 in 2018, and the percentage of men who attempted suicide increased from 67% to 77%.
