Rapid Growth, But Heavy Stress! Economic Growth and Its Impact on Mental Health in South Korea
Lately, if you pay close attention, you might notice that many Korean celebrities and public figures have passed away due to stress and pressure. This reflects a major societal issue in the country because, in reality, South Korea is one of the countries with the highest suicide rates in the world.
According to Statista data in 2024, South Korea’s suicide rate increased by more than 8% from the previous year, marking the highest record in 9 years. It is the country with the highest suicide rate in the OECD group, at 24.1 per 100,000 people, which is more than twice the OECD average of 10.07. This issue doesn’t only affect the entertainment industry but also impacts people of all ages, from students to working adults, and even the elderly.
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Rapid Development, But High Pressure
After the Korean War, the country rapidly developed its economy. Everything had to compete with time in order to catch up with the West and Japan. The result was a society that pressures everyone to be perfect. Those who can’t meet these expectations are seen as burdens to society.
In the education system, Korean children have to compete fiercely from a young age. There is a value that one must be accepted into the top university, Seoul National University, or else their future opportunities will be limited. Students endure 12 to 16 hours of private tutoring each day. The accumulated stress causes many students to break down.
In addition to children, the elderly in Korea also face a high suicide rate because society values those who can still work. Many elderly people live in isolation and lack financial support, which leads to feelings of hopelessness.
Culture That Amplifies the Problem
In South Korea, failure = shame. People who are unemployed, bankrupt, or involved in scandals are often heavily pressured by society. Some people see ending their life as the only way out because they feel they can no longer stand in society.
Another factor is that most Koreans do not practice a religion. Statistics from 2023 show that 63.4% of the population has no religion. Research indicates that those without a religion tend to view the world through a purely rational lens. If life becomes unbearable, they may see suicide as the only option.
Those Inside Want Out, Those Outside Want In
While South Korea is a country where many foreigners want to come and work or live, young Koreans themselves want to leave. They refer to their country as “Hell Joseon” because they have to live in constant competition with time, working hard but not receiving adequate rewards.
Research by Johan Schoonhoven explains that South Korea has entered the era of Double-compress Modernity, an era where the country not only develops rapidly but must also develop even faster. If anyone falls behind, they are left behind.
South Korea is an example of a country that developed rapidly but created immense pressure on its citizens. The strong can survive, but the weak may be cornered by society, and sometimes the only way out they see is to leave.
Reference
- Popular tags | Mental Health, South Korea
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