Youth addiction trends in South Korea

Recent data highlights rising addiction risks among South Korean youth, specifically regarding gambling and digital usage.

An analysis of the ‘2025 Youth Gambling Survey’ indicates that the average age of first exposure to gambling is 12.5 years old, with 47.1% of youth encountering it during elementary school. Exposure frequently occurs through internet advertisements, text messages, and social media. The report noted that elementary students reported higher rates of continuous gambling over a six-month period compared to middle and high school students. Current prevention efforts have faced criticism for being ineffective due to repetitive content.

In a separate survey conducted in Gangnam-gu targeting residents aged 19 to 39, significant risks of smartphone addiction were identified, with 13.1% of respondents classified in a high-risk group. The survey also found that 56.5% of participants had experience with gambling-style games. Additionally, the study noted concerns regarding substance use, including diet pills and sedatives, and a low rate of professional intervention, as many individuals preferred to ‘solve it alone’.