[2] The suicide rate is very high in South Korea and bridge jumping is common.

Although rescue work began almost immediately after he fell and a widespread search of the Han River was conducted, it took three days to retrieve his body.

[4] In an effort to deter suicides on the bridge, Samsung Life Insurance added pictures, words, and a statue that were intended to foster an encouraging atmosphere.

[3][5] For instance, the bridge's handrails were equipped with motion sensors to sense movement, lighting up with short phrases, written with the help of suicide prevention specialists and psychologists, also showing photos of happy families among other things.

Samsung eventually replaced the lights and slogans with barriers in a return to a more physical approach to suicide prevention by October.