Why so many K-pop artists and South Korean dramas die young

The death, at the age of 48, of Lee Sun-kyun, actor of the Oscar-winning film ‘Paradise’, adds to the list of South Korean artists who have passed away in a sadly strange way. In his case, it was found inside his car in a park. According to the Seoul press it was a suicide note.

In 2023, more celebrities from the Asian country known for K-pop groups and drama series died young and unnaturally. Among them are actress Jung Chae-yull, 26, and singers Moon Bin, 25, Haesoo, 29, Choi Sung Bong, 33, and Nahee, 24.

A recent article from The Herald Korea pointed to an explanation for so many similar tragedies: South Korea has the highest suicide rate among the 38 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations.

There, the suicide rate is 25.2 deaths per 100,000 people, being a leading cause of death among South Koreans aged 10 to 49. In Brazil, in 2022, there were 8 suicides per 100 thousand inhabitants, 3 times less.

The cold analysis of celebrity deaths points out the obvious: fame and money do not guarantee happiness and well-being of the mind. Applause and “likes” do not fill the existential void. The pressure to always be beautiful, happy and self-confident is a poison that intoxicates human frailties.

For a scientific look at the issue, the blog consulted Alexandre Bez, a psychologist specializing in emotional disorders at the University of California (UCLA) and relationships at the University of Miami.

Why are suicide rates increasing in both poor and developed countries, such as South Korea?

Suicidal behavior is a clinical problem already intrinsic to the mental system. It may remain dormant throughout one’s life or be awakened by some external stimulus, such as desperation due to the lack of basic necessities common in poor countries (food, health, education, etc.) or extreme loneliness and the demand for success , common in rich countries. .

Could the high incidence of suicide among young South Korean artists be motivated by the pressure imposed by fame?

The idea that success and wealth make people happy is illusory, since the results lose importance if the individual is lonely or has already developed a certain level of depression, a component that increases the desire to take one’s own life. The overexposure that comes with fame also puts pressure on a certain behavior that a person must follow to be accepted by the society in which he lives and by his fans. When there is a conflict between what the subject is, does or says, with what his public expects of him, we witness the well-known virtual cancellations and lynchings, which can lead the public person to humiliation, being a strong “negative psychological trigger”. ‘ for public suicide. The difference between who can or cannot go through situations like this is internal emotional balance and neuro-psychological chemical stability.

We live in the midst of the communication era and, paradoxically, people feel increasingly alone. How to explain?

Today’s relationships are characterized, for the most part, by superficiality. Regardless of whether it’s family, friendship, emotional or professional relationships, people often only get to know the other person through what they post on social media, and when they have the opportunity to be together, awkwardness in speaking can also occur face to face. . These superficial relationships increasingly increase the inner emptiness and can develop various diseases, such as depression, which is chronic and constant sadness.

Does every person with suicidal thoughts show signs? How to help her?

Not necessarily. The main observation to make is verbalization. The best preventive action is to listen to the reports and complaints of the patient, partner, friend or relative, giving credibility to their statements. Paying attention to those around us makes a difference in helping those going through adverse mental and emotional situations.

What advice do you have for those suffering from emotional distress?

Keep your mind busy every day. Practice physical exercise. Undergo psychotherapeutic treatment, which combines psychology and psychiatry. Don’t isolate yourself from social life. Avoid the consumption of alcohol and drugs. Eat healthy food and sleep well at night. Try not to be entertained by drama or horror films. If possible, do not live alone. Having a pet can act as emotional support.

The CVV (Life Evaluation Center) offers advice 24 hours a day, from Sunday to Sunday, for those who need to talk, let off steam and let themselves be guided. Free call to 188.

Source: Terra