SEOUL: In a room in South Korea’s bustling capital, three workers monitor footage round-the-clock from CCTV cameras installed on nearly all the bridges in the city.
With the help of artificial intelligence, they scrutinise details like a person's hesitation, assessing if someone is just passing by or thinking of taking his or her life.
Sixty-six CCTV cameras have been installed on Mapo Bridge alone, which crosses the Han River that divides Seoul.
Mapo Bridge has been dubbed the Bridge of Death due to dozens of suicide attempts. In recent years, high railings and a fence have been put in place there in efforts to stop people from jumping off.
South Korea has the highest suicide rate among developed countries.
On average, more than 40 South Koreans take their own lives every day, with suicide being the leading cause of death among teenagers and those in their 20s and 30s.
Seeking help for mental health issues remains a taboo subject in the nation, even though seven in 10 South Koreans suffered mental health issues last year, according to a National Center for Mental Health survey released in July.
ROLLER SYSTEM TO BE INSTALLEDKim Jun-young, centre director of the Water Rescue Team of Seoul Special Rescue Services, said he hopes South Korea can eliminate suicide attempts at the bridge by 2030.
According to Mr Kim, his team managed to save about 1,000 people last year.
Last month, CCTVs captured a woman throwing her bag onto the ground at the bridge. Sensing something amiss, the team called the police.
Police officers usually arrive within 10 minutes and will talk to the affected person, who is then taken to the police station – or hospital, if needed. A family member is then called in.
In most cases, the person is advised to seek professional counselling or treatment, although it is unclear how many do so.
Mr Kim told CNA that a “roller system” is gradually being installed on some parts of Mapo Bridge to prevent people from jumping off immediately.
"Once the roller system is fully installed on the entire bridge and we further enhance itlegendplay, we believe that no one will die from jumping off the bridge,” he said.
Mapo Bridge in Seoul, South Korea.