Eyes above the water: Seoul deploys physical AI to prevent Han River tragedies

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced a 2.8 billion won ($2.1 million) initiative, supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT, to deploy an AI emergency response system along the Han River, debuting at Banpo Bridge with a pilot in October and full launch in November. The two-year national project aims to cut response times for people in crisis, after fire department statistics recorded 1,272 suicide attempts across the river's 31 bridges in 2024.

Beneath the bridges that span the Han River, the sound of splashing water or a sharp scream can mean the difference between life and death. Korea’s capital is turning to cutting-edge technology to ensure those desperate calls for help do not go unheard. As part of World Suicide Prevention Day, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced a new 2.8 billion won $2.1 million initiative to deploy an artificial intelligence AI emergency response system along the city's waterways. Supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT, the two-year national project seeks to drastically narrow the critical response window for individuals in crisis along the river's iconic spans. The high-tech lifesaver will debut at Banpo Bridge, a central landmark in Gangnam, with a full operational launch scheduled for November, following a pilot program in October. The stakes could not be higher. According to official fire department statistics, emergency crews recorded 1,272 suicide attempts across the Han River’s 31 bridges in 2024 alone. Surviving a fall into the powerful current hinges entirely on how fast