Korean artists have achieved global success, with BTS and BLACKPINK topping international charts. However, behind this success lies a strict and demanding training system. Similarly, Korean students experience an intensely competitive academic culture, often compared to idol training. From an early age, they engage in relentless academic competition, particularly in districts like Gangnam, where elite university prep classes start as early as first grade.

After-school playtime is rare; instead, students attend private academies (hagwons), sometimes until late at night. A 2018 survey revealed that 62% of students receive private education beyond regular school hours. This demanding schedule leads to poor nutrition and sleep deprivation, with a 2023 survey showing an average sleep duration of just 6 hours and 30 minutes — the lowest among major OECD countries.

These pressures have serious mental health consequences. South Korea ranked 31st out of 35 countries in the Child and Adolescent Happiness Index, with teenage depression levels 3.5 times higher than those of adults. In a departure from global trends, Korea’s youth suicide rate has increased, particularly for ages 10 to 19. The stigma around mental health further limits access to care — while 17.3% of youth sought help, only 3.1% received counseling from a specialist.

Until recently, Korea lacked sufficient mental health infrastructure for children and adolescents. In 2016, only 21 institutions specialized in youth mental health, all concentrated in Seoul. However, since 2022, in response to worsening mental health issues post-pandemic, the government has expanded services. National mental health screenings now cover conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and screening intervals have shortened from 10 years to two years. In Seoul, youth counseling centers are expanding, and financial support has increased to make counseling more accessible.

While these initiatives mark progress, fundamental reforms may be needed to reduce academic stress — the primary cause of poor mental health among students. Could limiting after-school tutoring hours or making physical activities a college requirement be radical but necessary steps? Addressing the root causes may be the key to truly improving youth mental health in Korea.

Sources:

Survey done by “Smart Student Uniform” in 2018.

Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs, Republic of Korea, “International Comparative Study on the Lifestyle Patterns of Children and Adolescents,” August 2009.

Statistics Korea, Statistics Research Institute, “Korean Social Trends 2023.”  https://kostat.go.kr/board.es?mid=b10104000000&bid=12046&act=view&list_no=432657&tag=&nPage=1&ref_bid=

Survey of Korea adolescents study hours done by the “Save the Children.”