Video by Yun Da-been
Korea is home to the highest suicide rate among OECD member states, with an average of 38 people choosing to end their own lives on a daily basis. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a growing number of Koreans are reported to be struggling with suicidal thoughts, especially young people in their twenties.
What is causing them to end their lives?
One of the primary stressors fueling depression among those in their twenties is their difficulty in finding a job. The number of Koreans who are actively seeking employment has climbed to a record high of around 860,000 people, and 3 in 10 job-seekers are preparing for public service exams.
This video explains the unique exam culture of Korea and the reasons behind the rise in the number of exam preppers ever since the COVID-19 outbreak.
