2024, March 14

By: KyungHun Choi, KGGTF 2024 Youth Intern

GEEF 2024 focused on addressing Korea's mental health and demographic challenges, contemplating whether the nation can embark on a "Korean Miracle 2.0." The panel featured Peter Jongho Na, an Assistant Professor at Yale School of Medicine, and Jim Yong Kim, the former President of the World Bank Group.

Kim highlighted Korea's alarming suicide rates and the prevalence of depression, emphasizing that 37% of Koreans experience depression, ranking highest among OECD nations. Despite high depression rates, Korea has the lowest prescription rate for antidepressants among OECD countries.

The discussion delved into the intertwined issues of suicide, depression, loneliness, and demographic shifts. Korea's rapidly rising single-person households, coupled with declining birth rates (currently at a critically low 0.72), underscored the urgency of the situation. Similar demographic challenges were noted in China, with a phenomenon dubbed "lying down" becoming prevalent.

By: KyungHun Choi, KGGTF 2024 Youth Intern

The panelists explored potential solutions, emphasizing the need to combat stigma surrounding mental health in Korea. Drawing from historical experiences, Kim highlighted Korea's resilience, citing the nation's remarkable transformation from poverty to prosperity with the support of initiatives like the World Bank's early loans for education.

Attendees discussed the importance of proactive measures, likening suicide prevention to learning CPR and advocating for increased mental health education, especially among youth. Examples from Japan's successful suicide prevention efforts demonstrated the impact of societal movements and government interventions.

The event concluded with a call to action, stressing the urgency of addressing Korea's mental health and demographic challenges. It highlighted the potential for Korea to serve as a global model for addressing mental health issues, offering insights into the intersection of economic development, societal support systems, and individual well-being.