The Tragic Reality of South Korean Youth Suicide
South Korea is facing a growing crisis that has gripped the nation and raised serious concerns about the well-being of its children. Reports of students taking their own lives have become increasingly common, with tragic incidents occurring daily across different regions. In Busan, Gyeonggi Province’s Gwangju, and Seoul’s Yeongdeungpo District, young people are choosing to end their lives by jumping from great heights. These heartbreaking events highlight a deep-rooted issue within the country's education system and broader societal structure.
The South Korean education system is often cited as one of the most competitive in the world. This intense pressure leads to immense stress and emotional distress among students, contributing to high rates of mental health issues. According to recent data, South Korea had the highest number of child suicides globally in 2024, with a youth suicide rate that far exceeds the average seen in other OECD countries. With 7.9 suicides per 100,000 people, the situation is alarming and demands urgent attention.
It is crucial to recognize that these tragedies are not just individual acts of despair but rather symptoms of a larger societal problem. The education system, which is designed to foster academic excellence, often does so at the expense of students' mental health. The relentless competition, long study hours, and high expectations create an environment where many students feel overwhelmed and unable to cope. This toxic atmosphere contributes to a sense of hopelessness and despair among the youth.
Moreover, the social context in which these students live exacerbates their struggles. A report revealed that over 300,000 students sought psychiatric help in 2024, yet accessing mental health services remains a challenge. Many students find it difficult to schedule appointments with psychiatrists, particularly in areas like Gangnam, where demand is high. This lack of support further isolates those in need, making it harder for them to seek help and recover.
In 2024 alone, more than 6,400 students attempted suicide or self-harm, and one out of three students experiences chronic impulses to harm themselves. The loss of 221 students to suicide is a devastating statistic that underscores the severity of the crisis. Comparing this to the Itaewon crowd crush tragedy in 2022, which claimed 159 lives, highlights the frequency and scale of these incidents.
Despite the gravity of the situation, society often turns a blind eye to the suffering of its youth. The rapid cleanup of tragic scenes and the quick return to normalcy suggest a collective denial of the pain and loss experienced by families and communities. The guidelines for reporting on youth suicide often serve as a facade, allowing people to remain silent rather than confront the reality of these deaths.
At an academic conference held in the National Assembly, discussions about the education system were extensive, yet the issue of youth suicides was notably absent. As a keynote speaker, I expressed my concern and called for a moment of silence for the students who had taken their lives in Busan. The silence that followed was deafening, highlighting the disconnect between the discussions and the real-life tragedies occurring outside the conference hall.
Nelson Mandela once said, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than in the way in which it treats its children.” South Korean society must reflect on how it is treating its youth. The current approach to addressing these crises reveals a heartless and desensitized society. The inability to mourn and the lack of empathy for the suffering of children indicate a deeper cultural and systemic issue.
Alexander Mitscherlich, a German social psychologist, criticized Germany for its failure to confront its past during WWII, identifying a "lack of mourning." Similarly, South Korean society is struggling to process the trauma of these losses. The repressed memories and the attempt to brush aside the barbaric nature of the competitive society contribute to a culture that is unresponsive and unloving.
The message to the new administration is clear: stop the cycle of violence and protect our children. They deserve to be respected, supported, and given the chance to lead happy and fulfilling lives. It is time to address the root causes of this crisis and implement meaningful changes to create a safer and more compassionate environment for all children.