Research That Matters Podcast - A Global Deep Dive

Episode 19: Addressing Adolescent Suicide in South Korea: Risk Factors, Cultural Pressures, and Prevention Strategies

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Publication Date

2-20-2026

Description

This episode of Research That Matters is based on the article “Addressing Adolescent Suicide in South Korea” by Alyssa Kang, Brigham Young University, published in the Journal of Nonprofit Innovation.

In this conversation, we examine why suicide has been the leading cause of death among South Korean adolescents since 2011 and explore the complex social, cultural, psychological, and economic factors driving this crisis. The research highlights key risk factors including depression, academic pressure, bullying and cyberbullying, problematic internet use, family structure changes, substance abuse, and socioeconomic stress. It also explores how stigma surrounding mental health in Korean society limits help-seeking behaviors and early intervention.

Beyond identifying causes, this episode examines the broader consequences of adolescent suicide—its impact on families, schools, communities, and even the national economy. We also highlight innovative prevention efforts, including school-based mental health services and nonprofit-led “gatekeeper” training programs such as Suicide CARE and safeTALK, which aim to identify at-risk youth and connect them to support.

Designed for nonprofit leaders, educators, policymakers, and global health advocates, this episode translates research into actionable insights for strengthening youth mental health systems and community-based prevention efforts.

Comments

This episode of Research That Matters is based on the article “Addressing Adolescent Suicide in South Korea” by Alyssa Kang, Brigham Young University, published in the Journal of Nonprofit Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3 (September 2024), available at https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/joni/vol4/iss3/6/, and was converted into audio using Google’s NotebookLM to make the research more accessible through podcast listening.

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