Grieving in South Korea: The piercing cold of finding my brother's lifeless body

In 2018, Jang Jun-ha's 35-year-old brother, Jun-an, tragically took his own life. When Jang couldn't reach him for days, he called the police and found his lifeless body in his room. Despite Jun-an's previous suicide attempt and treatment in a psychiatric clinic, Jang never thought his brother would do it again. He believed that Jun-an was finding his way back into the world and didn't show any signs of suffering. However, suicide is a sensitive issue in South Korea, making it difficult for Jang to openly discuss his family's experience. South Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, with an average of over 35 people taking their own lives every day. It is also the leading cause of death among those aged 10 to 39. Jang, now 46, is trying to raise awareness by sharing his personal journey. He had been taking a course to become a suicide prevention instructor at the time he found Jun-an's body. Jang hoped to help others because his family had a high risk of suicide and wanted to give back to society. Jang's family faced a challenging time in 2010 when South Korea cut all economic ties with North Korea following the sinking of the warship Cheonan. His father's business, which had dealings with the North, went bankrupt, causing the family to separate and live apart. Jun-an, who had been planning to study abroad, could no longer be supported by his family. During this time, Jang was busy paying off his family's debts and trying to become a qualified counselor while working. It was only after Jun-an's death that Jang discovered his brother had been attending therapy every week for nearly a decade. Jun-an had been under immense pressure to succeed, but financial limitations made life difficult for him. Jang regrets not noticing his brother's depression earlier, and it breaks his heart to think about it. South Korea has the highest suicide rate among the wealthy OECD countries, with 25.2 deaths per 100,000 people. The country launched its first national suicide initiative in 2004 but has struggled to bring down the rates significantly. In April, the government announced a five-year plan to prevent suicides, aiming to reduce the rate by 30%, which would move it down the OECD table. The plan includes regular mental health check-ups, community support for vulnerable individuals, better online content moderation, and a direct reporting system for harmful content. While some attribute South Korea's high suicide rate to the lack of budget for prevention programs, others believe it is a mix of economic, social, and cultural factors. The country's rapid economic growth, coupled with rising inequality, created a society focused on competition and success. Experts have emphasized the dangers of a society that places too much emphasis on material wealth and social status. However, the culture is slowly changing, and there is a need for more space to express struggles and feelings freely and safely. Jang now works as a clinical psychologist in a mental health center in Seoul, where he helps families affected by suicide and individuals with suicidal thoughts. He also leads support groups for families who have lost loved ones. Despite the emotional toll these conversations take on him, Jang believes it is worth it when he sees people getting better. His own family has found acceptance and understanding, and Jang visits his parents regularly to share what he has learned and provide comfort. In conclusion, Jang Jun-ha's personal tragedy has motivated him to raise awareness about suicide prevention in South Korea. With the country's high suicide rates, he believes that more resources and support are needed to address the underlying issues leading to these tragic outcomes.