The Hallyu phenomenon has been growing more and more each day thanks to various South Korean idols such as K-pop singers, actors, and actresses. Unfortunately, in this environment, suicide in South Korea has emerged, interrupting the lives of young people still on the rise.
Which Korean celebrities have taken their own lives? What measures are being taken to change this reality? What do mental health professionals say about this issue? Let’s see that now!
Table of Contents
Suicide in South Korea
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), South Korea has the second highest suicide rate in the world. The rate is higher among elderly people, the reason being the vulnerable situation they experience; many cannot retire with dignity, which is common especially among those with low purchasing power.
Next are the youth, who also have a high mortality rate from taking their own lives, especially among males. It is a serious issue, but it becomes a topic of discussion when it occurs in the artistic community.
WHO data from 2015 shows that in the country there were 24.1 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. And in that same year, most deaths were among people aged 10 to 39 years.
Celebrity Suicides
Many South Korean idols have drastically ended their lives, a plight that is often masked by a smile and beautiful performances on stage. Let’s look at some celebrities who lost their lives to deep sadness.
Jonghyun
Jonghyun is the stage name of Kim Jong-hyun (김종현), born on April 8, 1990, in Seoul. He was a singer, songwriter, and producer for the group SHINee under SM Entertainment. He began his career in 2008 with the band that eventually became one of the most successful in South Korea. Jonghyun committed suicide in December 2017 at the age of 27. Before the incident, he had already shown signs of depression in his melancholic songs and social media posts.
Sulli
Sulli’s real name was Choi Jin-ri (최진리); she was from the South Korean city of Busan. Born on March 29, 1994, she began her career in 2005 as an actress. In 2009, she became part of the group f(x) and stayed until 2015. During this period, she also acted in several dramas. She was found dead in October 2019, and her death was confirmed as suicide. People close to her stated that she had depression. Sulli was a close friend of Jonghyun and Koo Hara.
Koo Hara
Koo Hara or Goo Hara (구하라) was born in Gwangju on January 3, 1991. Hara was a singer and Korean actress. In 2008, she began her career by joining the group Kara under DSP Media and stayed until 2016. During this period, she took part in reality show presentations and debuted as an actress. Hara’s love life was surrounded by problems; she suffered abuse and faced threats from her ex-boyfriend to release a sex tape made without her consent. After the incident, she was harassed on social media. In the same year, 2018, she attempted suicide but was found in time. However, in November 2019, she succeeded in taking her own life at just 28 years old. Hara died six weeks after Sulli’s death.
Oh In-hye
Oh In-hye (오인혜) was born on January 4, 1984, in the capital of South Korea. She was an actress and model, starting her career in 2011 in the film Sin of a Family. She made 8 films and 3 series. In 2019, she created a YouTube channel. In September 2020, she was found dead in her home at the age of 36.
Seo Min-woo
Seo Min-woo (서민우) was born on February 8, 1985, in the South Korean city of Daegu. He was an actor and singer, starting his career in 2006. He gained recognition by joining the band called 100% under the record label TOP Media. In 2014, Seo Min-woo left the band due to mandatory military service of 1 year and 8 months. He died in March 2018.
Possible Causes
The causes that lead to suicide are numerous! In an interview for Suki Desu, clinical psychologist Magda Custódia talks about the kind of thoughts a person who is contemplating the act might have: ”When a person is depressed, which is the leading cause of suicides, they often say, “my life is worth nothing!” “what am I doing in this world?” or “nothing makes sense to me, so I prefer to die!” So, these people already have suicidal thoughts and often even plan how to do it”.
In the case of South Korea, the level of demand placed on artists, exposure, sasaengs (obsessive fans) are just some of the factors that can contribute to many developing psychological problems.
In August 2021, one of the members of the group TWICE, Jeongyeon, stepped back from activities due to panic disorder and anxiety. The singer had already been absent from October 2020 to January 2021 for the same reason. The same happened with Mina, her group mate, who in 2019 was absent due to anxiety and insecurity issues.
Stepping away from the spotlight to take care of oneself is important, but the person should return at the right time. ”The person themselves must analyze whether they will feel good returning to work or if they will be safe. Because high levels of anxiety bring feelings of fear, insecurity, and often even panic or phobias. For these people to feel good and prepared to return to their activities, it is also necessary to be under psychological and psychiatric care,” says the psychologist.
In South Korea, the pressure begins early regarding studies, career, and appearance. When a person is famous, there are more commitments and responsibilities that must also align with what is imposed by the agency and the expectations of fans. Artists are targets of criticism all the time; people believe that because they are well-known, they have the right to say whatever they want about their lives, all of this affects mental health in some way.
Suicide Bridge
The Mapo Bridge, popularly known as the Suicide Bridge, crosses the Han River in the capital of South Korea, Seoul, and its length is 2.2 km. The bridge has the nickname Suicide Bridge because it is a common place for attempts to take one’s own life. It is believed that around 1,090 people have jumped from this bridge between the years 2003 and 2011.
At the end of 2012, Samsung came up with a creative idea to try to reduce the suicide rate. The estimate is that after the campaign, 85% of deaths decreased. The solution was to transform the bridge into the Bridge of Life! Throughout the bridge, illuminated signs, photos of happy people, and phrases such as:
”Visit the people you miss”
”The best moments of life are yet to come”
”Isn’t it nice to walk on a bridge?”
All the phrases and photos were chosen and developed with the help of psychologists with the aim of distracting the person thinking about committing suicide enough to safely reach the other side. Near the bridge, there is also a statue of a man comforting another called ”Just Once Again”. The phones located on the bridge can also be used to call the mental health help center.
It is important to always be attentive so that this does not happen to people close to us. Showing empathy and being observant can save a life! ”Depression is not laziness, it is not a whim, it is not for attention! It is a serious illness!” concludes Magda Custódia.
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