Is Korea Really the 'Most Depressed' Country in the World? | Street Interview 

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Happiness is subjective. In our modern world, we often believe that comparison leads to growth, but in reality, it can steal our joy.

very few would admit they're unhappy on cam

Something I noticed living in Korea is there's very little color. Almost everyone wears muted colors or white/black. The apartment forests are nearly all white. Cars are almost all black/white/gray. I felt depressed many times there and lack of color was a contributing factor IMO......except the food! Plenty of color there!

I'm a foreigner living in Korea. Recently, I had a bad mental health episode. I went to my psychiatrist and told him I wanted to (unalive) and I hated myself. He laughed and said "so what? Are you from a third world village? Who doesn't feel like that? Just don't do k--- yourself. Take your meds and go. You're fine. You're normal." And I was so frustrated by the sentiment because it felt like he wasn't listening to me when I really needed the help. But it made me wonder if I'm also surrounded by people in Korea who just feel the same.

I appreciate hearing these thoughtful, nuanced answers.

I was lucky that when I was in elementary school, I had a teacher who told us that there is no point comparing yourself with others and from that point on, I simply didn’t compare myself with others again (although sometimes it happens subconsciously and then I would consciously tell myself to not do that). But I don’t think it may be that easy for everyone to do the same. I recently read I want to die but I want to eat Tteokbokki and the writer talked about how she couldn’t help but compare herself with others, despite knowing that she shouldn’t, and that’s one of the reasons why she was depressed. While it’s good that Koreans are becoming more aware of what causes their unhappiness and how to avoid it, I think it’s important to be able to seek professional help when you still find yourself struggling.

Happiness is an emotion. Depression is not about whether you're happy or not because you cannot sustain any emotion for long periods of time. The lady with the two sons who provide for her, she's a prime example of a content person. I just don't think we should equate an emotion with a mental illness. One, that can be misinterpreted whenever someone says they aren't happy. Two, being constantly happy is not the norm.

Life is so short ...so love yourself and be really happy with or without material things.

There definitely is a big issue with mental health not being taken into consideration as much. From what I understand, South Korea has an obsession with physical appearance in particular in regards to what others might think about them. While people are of school and university age, many are expected to focus only on studies and spend hours after school on studies; often to the point where people get so stressed and depressed about not living up to such and such expectations. Then there's the expectation as an adult to have a certain job, certain salary, marry, have kids, buy a house, etc. Of course those things are good but they're not necessarily for everyone and in some instances it can be very difficult to get a certain job with a certain salary let alone finding someone compatible to marry and have kids with. When things are ideal of course many people would opt to do those things but in this day and age, the economy and job market makes a lot of these things very difficult. I understand that parents worry and they want their kids to do well in life, but if it's at the cost of someone's mental well being, no amount of accomplishments will mean much if said individual is not mentally satisfied with their life. If I have to say anything, in general people need to understand and apply the concepts of work-life balance. You should never focus too much on just work, just school, just being able to buy things, etc. You also shouldn't worry too much about what others might think about you if you don't have such & such life style, appearance, etc. At the end of the day, the thing that matters most is how satisfied are you with your life situation, your job situation, etc.

It's great to see how other parts of the world think.

The emphasis on competition and the pressure to conform can definitely take a toll on mental health. It's time for some real changes and open conversations. 💬

Working like a slave isn’t a very happy life.

thanks for interview. Appreciate.

Terrific interview!

Just want to say- Never give up! You were born for a reason and no matter what, we have to push beyond our limits and honor those who have come before. Sadness and depression are temporary. I hope everyone is living to the fullest.

Seoul's bus game is on point

It's easier to give advise or saying I am happy but it cant be helped if you are sad because life will become boring if you are happy only or sad only.If we really want to sustain in this society then we have to balanced both our emotion.

I love the mother, shes many of the mothers i know, sweet and considering. I hope SK people live more happily.

In a country where looks, physical apperance, and money is the most important in life..what would you expect..Depression, constant fear, unhappiness,etc

00:03:11 The same question if it was asked in a Buddhist country like Thailand the answer would be "totally different". Despite of history of Buddhism in Korea, surprisingly, Korean people shows almost no sign of Buddhist mentality. The Korean society is pretty much a Confucian society where everyone is occupied with climbing the social ladder. In Buddhist society, people see the social ladder as the thing that one can choose to either climb to the top, stop at some level that person feels comfortable or happy, or even doesn't climb it at all. All these choices will not be judged by other people. But in Confucian society, people tend to think only the people on the top of the ladder can be happy, where the rest are considered as losers.

Unfortunately we live in a world where most people are depressed because they think they don't have enough money and the only cure is more money. Social media amplifies this. Be happy with what material possessions you have. Work harder to get more. But most importantly work harder on relationships and start a family. You'll realise that there is more to life than being depressed about money

I was deployed to the ROK DMZ in March 1974. I served at Camp Garry Owen in Yongjugol. The young folks should see the change that my eyes see. I can't even recognize the place! They have come so far! I wish they could see their nation through my eyes. I feel honored to have played a small part in their story.

So sad... There's so much repression and pressure to achieve the unattainable in SK. On top of that, mental health is seen as a joke. I genuinely feel bad for the unhappy Koreans that feel stuck. How can anyone be happy under those conditions?

If mental health professionals are accessible in your country, please check in. One can “get used to” depression to the point they have it so long they don’t know how it is to feel different. One just mistaken sums it to sleep deprivation and everyday fatigue of commuting. Personally faced that and it took being put on a stretcher in front of coworkers to see that.

I would theorize that south korean individuals are more concerned about their futures in a highly competitive labor market, which they alleviate in korean bbq with soju, karaoke bars and restaurants amongst other things to do.

“Ask yourself whether you are happy, and you cease to be so.” John Stuart Mill

I know Korea and Japan are famous for their imbalanced work/life bakance but after having traveled through vietnam and thailand i can tell you that in South East Asia things are even worse. People work 10 hours per day often 7 days per week. Ive met people who work 8-9 hours a day everyday with no free day for over a month and often difficult shifts or double shifts resulting in 70+ hour work weeks. They hate it but dont complain because it is expected to survive and people are happy with the jobs they have, be it in the countryside working on the land or in a hostel as a receptionist. Its a pretty tough life out there.

Treasure what u have already but do aim higher because achievement is a form of gratification. For those who are competitive at heart, also look at what u have achieved while others have not.

10:40 I have been living in Japan, and I am content in my small two room apartment. Whenever I visit family in the USA and talk to people in the States, they always talk about buying a huge house... like that is the dream.... I couldn't imagine the stress of furnishing and keeping a whole house and yard. Even the small house that my relatives have... they spend so much money and effort on it... For me... having a house isn't happiness but I think it really different for each person.

he managed to find himself a very beautiful girlfriend and you can tell he is very proud and happy about that!! just like he should be!

Last got, well said.

Been living in Korea for 5 years now. Long and cold grey winters affect mental health definitely.

I've lived in Korea, Japan, the United States, Europe, and the Philippines. Each country has its pros and cons. In Europe, the short working hours and not having to give your all at work make for a happier work life. But as a customer, the slow and often poor service can be frustrating, and there's not much to do in the evenings. The high salaries in the U.S. are a plus, but the cost of living is high, and there's a lack of basic social welfare systems. Safety isn't great in both Europe and the U.S. Japan shares many similarities with Korea. It's safe, has good social welfare systems, and nights aren't boring. Enjoying healing time at Japanese hot springs is a plus. However, working in Japanese companies can be tougher due to their analog approach, strict dress codes, slower pace, and poorly insulated homes. But the analog lifestyle can sometimes positively impact mental health. Despite being slower, Japan handles tasks perfectly. Korea is fast-paced, safe, and has good social welfare, but it also has its drawbacks like the pressure to always strive for improvement. Many Koreans are unaware that there are many cities in Korea that are more sophisticated and livable than Seoul. It's time to embrace a more comfortable and less self-conscious way of living.

Comparison is the thief of joy. - Teddy Rosevelt

I think there is a notable sense of anxiety among the populace. Depression is an anxiety disorder, so ditto. Competitiveness the cause? Maybe, but I see it more from a global perspective and the geopolitical landcape is perhaps the more deeper cause. Growth to prove once and for all that our system is better than the North's. Growth is important, sure, but let's try and look at what kind of growth we are aiming for.

Humans are much more dynamic than limited systems offer

the 'most depressed' title should attribute to it's capital. Nobody is relexed in this city , literally everybody in this city are desperately chasing something, don't know what it is but everybody so nervous, hungry, and in hurry all the time.

Most people dont want to tell strangers they are depressed.

I think very few people in the eorld are really happy. Most people are just 'content' and enjoy their life. Being really HAPPY is sth difficult to achieve IMO

The very high expectations vs. reality of life is too much. The competitive and exhausting effort young people put forth most of their young lives is daunting, yet in the end they may come to realize that they may never be able to afford to buy their own personal space...especially young men who must decide when is best time to put everything on hold for military. If they can't get even an apartment, how will they marry and have children....which....even if they did....the cycle just continues because the culture isn't changing. Korea is beautiful to look at and to visit, but I would never want to grow up in such a competitive and oppressive culture. I wonder how different it is for foreign people who marry into a Korean family. Do they fall into the stereotypical Korean 'way' or do they retain their own sensibiltiies? Do single, foreign, young people living there feel the same pressure and which pressures do they feel?

Life is a challenge worldwide. Given this country just started it’s road from domination in 1948, they must be exhausted from work and striving which depresses. But, they have given so much joy to the world. Cheers Korea, hang in there.

While I appreciate this video’s efforts in raising awareness about mental health issues, particularly in Asia, I believe the last part deserves more focus. The thumbnail, though, is very clickbaity. I was eager to see how interviewees would respond to the question, ‘Are you depressed?’ or asked them if they know a close friend or a family member who is depressed. Their answers could reveal valuable insights into societal attitudes toward mental illness. If someone openly admits to being depressed, it could inspire others to overcome shame and stigma associated with mental health challenges.

I was born in Japan and have worked there for 5 years, and now I work for a Korean company in Seoul. The difference is astounding.

I've noticed that in the Korean language, there's a lot of speaking that just sounds 'sad'.

Korea used to have this 8282 mentality - Which lead to great rise of our economic miracle after the war. This attitude was instilled within the baby boomer generation of S. Korea and passed on to the X gen. However X generation struggling to meet the previous generations expectations developed: "Fake it til you Make it" mentality. Which is just a facade and though everyone looks happy on the outside, everyone is slightly depressed. Some of us don't even know we are even depressed because there's no time to even think about our own mental health.

Should interview youngsters.

I’m not surprised

Yes

As a Korean, I am not that unhappy. Haha, foreigners always exaggerate a lot. Teenage students around me play games all night long.

As an American going through engineering in college, the smartest guy I knew was Korean. I thought he was amazing acing all the exams. To think being in Korea and so many other talented people are your competition, I can't imagine needing to be more than perfect to survive.

1:38 that girl reminds me Seoulhyun

If money becomes the top metric for which they evaluate happiness, it's a forgone conclusion that they'll never be happy. Chasing materialism is an endless pursuit; there's no monetary amount that will ever be satisfactory. There's a reason that even the rich aren't immune from depression and other mental health issues. Health should really be #1. Without a clean bill of health, money means nothing. The country's culture of vanity, emphasis on academic excellence, and constant comparison have a lot to do with it as well. Any time the priority shifts to superfluous desires, it's bound to foster more negative emotion. What needs to change is instilling a greater sense of gratitude rather than incessantly dwelling on what we don't have.

Happiness is just a temporary feeling...but JOY in every circumstances means contentment, gratitude, learning the secret of having plenty and also having nothing...learning that circumstances in life make a person strong...

Korea is all about saving face. Even if they were dying of depression, they would never admit that to you, a stranger with a camera, when they know it will be shown on the internet.

Korea is the second leading country behind Japan with high suicide rates from documentation. The country, the government don't do much of anything in providing trained resources to help assist its people, especially the younger and aging population with depression at all. They're not equipped and brush it off. The mentality needs to change to make a healthy and positive change. Samsung also changed their rules for longer work hours alone. Yet, we purchase these products at a mass scale. Videos like these are needed to bring this critical issue into light.

This is a very intresting Topic .living in the United States all my life,there are so many different kinds of people.The way they look, act , dress ,think,so on and so even mental health issue.But I would just like to about self,I I could not be happy if I passed someone without greeting them with a smile ,Are showing some kind of emotion.But I guess that is the I was brought up,When having a conversation with someone I was taught to use direct eye contact,and might be wrong for somebody else. But living in this great big world Im willing to believe that it takes different things to makes us happy😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

Ive just left Japan after working there, Japan is the most depressive nation in the world by far!!!!! I starting getting depressed there too.

Yes.

Omg the boy with his girfriend: she is SO cute!!!!!! Her face is so pretty, like an apricot! So cute!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ I can't believe how pretty and cute she is! ❤

Most People almost never admit how they _truly_ feel, all their darkest thoughts and feelings and problems, to strangers, to the public. All of those people u walk past on the street who seem completely normal, completely content, completely fine on the outside? Chances r, they are dealing with something on the inside. Don’t always believe it when people say they’re “fine”. Yes, most people are truly fine but there are many who simply are not.

I love the guy’s answer: “We care too much of what people think about us.”

People often tend to equate Japan and South Korea on topics like this, but these two countries are completely different. First of all, regarding the suicide rate, according to a WHO survey, the current suicide rate in South Korea is literally one of the highest in the world and is nearly twice as high as Japan's suicide rate. Japan's suicide rate has been decreasing year by year and is currently lower than the suicide rate in the United States. And according to a survey of mental health morbidity rates in various countries, the percentage of Japanese people who suffer from mental health problems within a year is 18%, which is much lower than in the United States, 44% and the UK 39%. When you look at social media, you only see radical or biased news, but it seems like Japan is not that depressed.

I think happyness depends on people's mental health.... not money, luxury etc....people can be happy with small to smaller things.... I'm an Indian... people outside india... says India is undeveloped, poor they are not happy...bc they are not rich.. can't afford luxurious life.....but believe me.... most of Indians are really happy in India.... some people are exceptional,they never satisfied with anything....but most of us really happy with what you have......😊 So stay happy and healthy.... always ❤🇮🇳

East and west were always very different. And there are very unhappy people all over the world. More than happy, I believe. It's the way to deal with it that maters. Only having bad times in life makes you understand what are happy times.

11:33 I am just like that lady, Whenever I have been depressed my life I have just toughed it out and never told anyone!! Like I'm only just slowly coming out of depression again! > -

i still cant forget when their nation boom there are a lot of their citizens looking down at other south east asians and forgot to be humble.

if i'm depressed, i would be too sad to even leave my bed, let alone step outside to be interviewed.

There's difference between depression and frustration.

1:25 Mark manson is summoned !

If your Asian face saving is most important.

the accent is a little different from what I heard in dramas and shows

not sure about data accuracy of the interviews because which subject would admit to depression or unhappiness in front of the camera

Hardest working nation and the most depressed nation. A correlation is the logical path…

After all I’ve heard I feel I was Korean in other life ❤

I think nost of the people who answer a random street interviewer are generally happy. I've been depressed and during those dark times, I always, always avoid any kind of contact with people. So, yeah this interview has some form of bias.

행복한건지 아님 그냥 괜찮은건지 구분하라

I've never gone to a psychiatrist before only to psychologist in my country... when I lived in Korea I went to a psychiatrist and told him about the things I was going through, he just told me "sorry, I can't help you much but I can give you some meds" and I felt so disappointed, so I wonder if that is the overall experience with a psychiatrist like you just go and then just hand you the meds and that's it?... with the psychologists I got treated before they try to help me understand the problem and find different ways to overcome it, so I thought that a psychiatrist would do the same with the addition of being able to prescribe meds if you need them... so I was left very confused and I don't know whether this is the norm or it was just an awful experience.

Korea is a capitalist materialism society that people work for the benefits of corporation. Japan and US are slightly different version of the same concept. But the media and entertainment industries show the rich and famous. So people can dream to be rich if they are lucky.

Well... It looks like a affluent shopping area, ie people who are on recreational break. How about asking people in industrial areas or rundown residential areas?

In Singapore, pre-university students need to get BOTH good grades and good portfolio (extracurricular activities, volunteering, leadership service) to enter certain courses. This also puts a lot of pressure on the students to do well and everyone has more things to be obsessed about.

Honestly, if we based our happiness with the WESTERN standard like boisterously laughing, etc, we will really be depressed. Happiness is subjective. You can be happy and calm and be quiet and not overtly show it. It is subjective. Why do we always have to measure it with the standard of others?

Are you kidding me!! Korea most depressed country I laugh! Korea is filled with beauty, art and grateful people. Yes we study, work hard but we were brought up trying to be the best version of ourselves and that’s why Korea is a country all Asian people want to visit and love! K-pop k beauty k chicken so many interest around the world for things Korean things!

It makes me sad that as a culture they feel they need to struggle through things alone. I hope for a change for Korea where suicide rates are so high. I hope they can normalize getting counseling and therapy. Also medication if needed. I hope that it won't go on their work applications. I don't know how much info is put on Korean applications but I heard they're pretty intrusive. I just wish for them to feel free to get the care they need. Mental illness also includes depression etc... Mental health deserves importance. Don't fight alone please. Wishing everyone the best.

Interesting that the interviewer ‘subtlety’ references a @IamMarkManson recent video. Clever

They don't know if they are really happy. They are just fine, not happy.

That's a really question I am curious about korea.

You should try doing this interview at a poor neighborhood too. Things should have been discussed ; How many hours Korean Highschool students sleep, how many people perform plastic surgeries, low birth rates.

Koreans works for money while Americans, the money works for them. That’s the big difference between these two countries. As an American the money is working for me, my husband and I retired at very young age and enjoy living a life of properties.

I wonder when this was filmed as snow can be seen...

Seems like a lot of people in the comments are projecting their depression onto these people

Short answer: Yes

Depressed people tend to avoid being interviewed.

If somebody asked me this on the street, I would never answer below 6... Even if I felt like a 4 everyday.

Very interesting, I sympathised with some parts of what they talked about. I did not know that Koreans really desire to have houses

4:41 5:35 10:47 THIS

I don't think it is just Korea, but all over the world people are suffering from depression. One thing is that Asians in general experience the pressure to always have to strive to be the "best." It is a disgrace or looked upon in my family and around my circle of friends and aquaintances if we aren't our best selves. Income, education, profession, socioeconomic status, etc... all matter. On the other hand, I myself would never have thought to suffer from depression, but I have been suffering from depression since eversince and even until now. It is the worst to the point I didn't want to live anymore. It is through prayers, that gave me hope but I am only human and there are moments when I get mentally affected. Being human is the hardest experience ever. I experienced trauma after a decision I made which forever affected me. People say don't worry about it because it is not a bad decision. I know it is not bad, but still I do feel bad. I can't get over it. In your life you will have to make tough decisions and at that point in time you need to be your bff, because trust me there will be people who thought would help you, but they won't. My decision had nothing to do with people, but until this day I get heart palpitations and depression just thinking about it because there were some better options. I realized that I myself can only save myself. I have friends, but I saw their true colors. One of my friend's advice was "your problem, your life." And she just ghosted me. I even saved her from suicide herself. I was also told by her I can't be considered depressed unless I was professionally diagnosed. How selfish of her to say that. To be honest a lot of people have gone undiagnosed with depression and incurable diseaaes even the healthiest people. You think they are okay, but they are not. They feel something but keep it to themselves for whatever reasons. I only asked for an advice and nothing else to stress her out. Also my blood uncle committed suicide, and I realized that too became a generational curse that I continue to see manifest within my immediate family, myself, and family bloodline years after his death. I am Catholic, so I do believe that what others do within the family will have some kind of effect on the family members. Even exorcists believe so. Mental illness is medical/health, genetics, life problems, pressure and high expectations, and also in my opinion spiritually related (curses, hexes, spells, diabolic posession, etc).

Working with LIGHT and LOVE puramaryam✨de

a depressed person won't say they're depressed.

Stay strong Beautiful country south Korea. Respect from Pakistan