Nearly Half of South Koreans Experience Chronic Frustration, Survey Finds
Seoul,August 27, 2024 – A recent survey conductedby Professor Yu Myung-sun’s research team at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Health has revealed that almost half of South Koreans experience chronic frustration, with one in ten suffering from severe levels of this emotion. The findings highlight a growing concern about mental health in the country.
The survey, conducted betweenJune 12th and 14th, involved 1,024 respondents aged 18 and above across South Korea. The results showed that 49.2% of participants reported experiencing long-term frustration,with 9.3% indicating they suffered from severe levels of the emotion. Worryingly, 60% of those experiencing severe frustration had contemplated suicide at some point.
Age played a significant role in the prevalence of frustration. The30-39 age group had the highest percentage of individuals experiencing frustration, at 13.9%, while the 60 and above age group had the lowest, at 3.1%. Socioeconomic factors also influenced the findings. Individuals who perceived themselves as belonging to the lower strata of society reported60% experiencing long-term frustration, while 61.5% of those who considered themselves upper class reported no such feelings.
The survey also explored participants’ views on fairness in the world. Individuals aged 60 and above scored highest on this measure, with an average score of 3.42, while the 20-39 age group scored the lowest, at 3.13. This suggests that younger generations may feel a greater sense of injustice and unfairness in society.
When asked about their level of frustration with social and political events, respondents across all age groups averaged a scoreof 3.53 on a scale of 1 to 4, with 4 representing extreme frustration. The survey identified several key events that have fueled public anger, including:
- Moral decay and corruption within politics and political parties.
- Government misconduct and cover-ups.
- Mediasilence, distortion, and biased reporting.
- Disasters and tragedies caused by poor safety management.
- Tax evasion and other violations of civic duty.
These findings highlight a growing sense of disillusionment and frustration among South Koreans, particularly among younger generations. This trend is likely linked to a range of factors, including economic inequality, political polarization, and a perceived lack of fairness in society.
Professor Yu Myung-sun, the lead researcher, expressed concern about the findings, stating, The high prevalence of frustration, particularly among younger generations, is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. We need to address the rootcauses of this widespread dissatisfaction and provide support to those struggling with mental health challenges.
The survey results underscore the need for comprehensive efforts to address mental health concerns in South Korea. These efforts should include:
- Promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma.
- Improving access to mental health services and resources.
- Addressing socioeconomic inequalities that contribute to feelings of frustration and despair.
- Encouraging open dialogue and constructive engagement on social and political issues.
The findings also serve as a reminder that mental health is a critical component of overall well-being. By addressing the root causes of frustration and providing adequate support, SouthKorea can work towards creating a more just and equitable society, where individuals feel empowered and hopeful about the future.
【source】https://cn.yna.co.kr/view/ACK20240827000700881?section=news&input=rss
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