Incheon students at suicide risk often lack urgent medical treatment

Incheon students identified as being at high risk for suicide are frequently being referred to counseling centers rather than receiving urgent psychiatric medical treatment. Data from the Incheon Metropolitan Office of Education shows that while approximately 1% of students tested for emotional and behavioral characteristics are classified as being in the 'suicide risk group,' only a small fraction are connected to hospitals or clinics.

In 2023, out of 833 students identified as high-risk, only 227 (27.3%) were referred to medical facilities, while 606 (72.7%) were sent to counseling centers such as Wee Centers or youth counseling welfare centers. Similar trends were observed in 2024. Furthermore, between 50 and 70 students were reportedly left without any referral due to parents refusing counseling or medical treatment.

Concerns have been raised that missing the 'golden time' for psychiatric intervention contributes to incidents of self-harm and suicide. Between 2022 and September 2024, 70 students in Incheon died by suicide, and 1,143 attempted to do so. Officials noted that some parents opt for counseling over medical treatment due to concerns regarding permanent psychiatric medical records.