I love Korea. The food is amazing, shopping doesn’t leave my wallet empty, and the country is inspiringly ambitious. South Korea did what seemed impossible and changed its agricultural-based economy into a developed country within 35 years. However, with success comes consequences. When the economy advanced rapidly, social change did not. As a result, Korea now has the highest rate of suicide out of all the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.

Precedently, the citizens of Korea easily connected with their families and communities and enjoyed a strong relationship with one another. However, the many technological progressions that are intended to make bonding amongst people effortless has done the opposite. As more and more districts in the country become gentrified, the competition in the workforce is vast and extremely aggressive. Everyone seems to work against one another, so much so that the confidence in peers and interdependence have disappeared. Consequently, the society gradually consists of single individuals that experience isolated lives. And, as a result, the suicide rate only seems to escalate as the birthrate declines. The country also holds the lowest birthrate out of all OECD countries and its population is expected to go extinct by 2075.

With such a dire situation, many would assume that programs to help prevent suicides would be in place. That is not the case. Although 90% of those that committed suicide consists of individuals that were affected by mental illness, such disabilities are taboo in Korea. Therefore, those who have a disorder go untreated. There is one program in place that gives individuals a chance to partake in their own pretend funeral. This involves writing a will and laying in a funeral box which allows people to contemplate their life. By the end, people are expected to feel reborn and grateful for life. Positive responses were given by those who have participated in the curriculum. Unfortunately, without funding from the government, the program struggles to operate and predicts its closure.

South Korea’s dilemma will only get worse unless the country’s outlook on mental illness changes and support on the prevention of suicide is given.