Cause-of-death statistics in Korea from 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to present national mortality data for 2021 in Korea, focusing on overall trends and leading causes of death. Methods: We analyzed cause-of-death statistics derived from death certificates and mortality reports submitted to administrative offices across Korea. The data were coded following the World Health Organization’s guidelines, which designate an underlying cause of death for each case. Results: A total of 317,680 deaths were recorded in 2021—the highest number since the inception of cause-of-death statistics in 1983—marking an increase of 12,732 deaths (4.2%) compared to 2020. The crude death rate (CDR) was 618.9 per 100,000 population, up 25.0 (4.2%) from the previous year. The CDR has been on an upward trend since 2009, when it was 497.3; in 2021, it reached its highest level since data collection began in 1984, surpassing the previous peak of 585.2. Individuals aged 80 or older accounted for 50.0% of total deaths, representing a 15.2 percentage-point increase from a decade earlier. The top 10 causes of death were malignant neoplasms (cancer), heart disease, pneumonia, cerebrovascular disease, intentional self-harm (suicide), diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer’s disease, liver disease, sepsis, and hypertensive diseases. Conclusion: The sustained growth of Korea’s older adult population has led to an overall increase in both the number of deaths and the CDR. Ongoing attention to emerging mortality trends—such as the rise in sepsis-related deaths—and the persistent burden of chronic conditions is essential.