A quiet yet profound crisis is unfolding among South Korea’s youth, as an alarming increase in mental health issues among teenagers is straining healthcare systems and raising societal concerns.

Reports from Seoul’s university hospitals reveal a significant uptick in teenage psychiatric admissions. In one instance, the occupancy rate of teenagers at a psychiatric ward reached 90%, indicating a deepening crisis that extends beyond mere numbers.

According to the country’s National Health Insurance Service, treatment for depression among teenagers has risen by 60% from 2018 to 2022. This surge in demand has placed a heavy burden on tertiary care hospitals.