In South Korea, the conversation around mental health is becoming less taboo, with more people now willing to discuss and seek treatment for mental health issues, including the use of antidepressants.

However, this trend spotlights two primary concerns: the increasing reliance on medication for managing mental health and the strain on the country’s mental health services infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand.

These issues are particularly pressing in the context of economic challenges and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has significantly impacted the mental well-being of the population.

According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the