North Korean authorities have reportedly disclosed that the rate of suicides in the country skyrocketed last year. The data shows a 40% increase from the previous year, according to the South Korean National Intelligence Service.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently issued a secret directive banning suicide, citing it as an "act of treason against socialism."
The order would also hold local officials accountable for failing to prevent suicides, according to government officials who spoke to Radio Free Asia.
The directive was revealed during several emergency meetings held in North Korean provinces, where the officials discussed graphic descriptions of suicide cases, including cases of entire families killing themselves.
Share Your Thoughts