Starting in October, the “109 Suicide Prevention Hotline” Will Be Available as an Emergency Number Even When Phone Bills Are Unpaid

- MSIT, MOHW, and ACRC worked together after public input was received through Cheong Wa Dae social media channels.- Even when outgoing calls are restricted, the suicide prevention hotline will still be available.- Even before the official notice revision, the change will be applied starting in October through consultations with telecommunications companies and phone device manufacturers.【Relevant National Task】14. A government that innovates and communicates with the people□ Going forward, the 109 Suicide Prevention Hotline will remain accessible even when outgoing calls are restricted because of unpaid phone bills due to financial hardship.□ The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister: Bae Kyung-hoon), the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, Minister: Jeong Eun-kyeong), and the Anti-Corruption & Civil Rights Commission (ACRC, Chairperson: Jung Il-yeon) have agreed to designate the 109 Suicide Prevention Hotline (“109”) as an emergency number. This will ensure that individuals in a suicide crisis can reach help even when their mobile service has been suspended, improving access to telecommunications services.This move was prompted by publ...