7 out of 10 Koreans experienced mental issues in past year: report

Some 70.1 percent of South Koreans had problems with their mental health in the past year, a survey conducted by the state-affiliated National Center for Mental Health showed Sunday.

The biennial report showed that while the annual figure decreased compared to 73.6 percent in 2024, the percentage of those who suffered at least five separate mental issues has substantially increased in the last decade, to 30.8 percent from 18.5 percent in 2016.

The nationwide survey was first conducted in 2016 to be used for policies related to national mental health policies. This year's survey was carried out online for two weeks beginning June 12 with 5,100 people aged 15-69.

Stress was most common, picked by 47.7 percent of respondents. Unexplained physical discomfort was next at 37.5 percent, followed by depression (30.8 percent), days of consistent insomnia (30.6 percent) and days of continued anxiety (30.3 percent).

Video game addiction and uncontrollable rage also were major factors, as chosen by 18.8 percent and 16.2 percent of respondents, respectively. About 14.1 percent said they had "serious and specific suicidal thoughts."

It was found that the mental health issues had significant negative impacts on everyday life, as 21.5 percent indicated in this year's survey. The proportion of such people increased substantially compared to 15.6 percent in the 2024 survey.

Among those suffering significantly from mental health issues, 25.4 percent said it was affecting their work or studies, while 21.4 percent cited an effect on social activities and interpersonal relations.

It was found that the overwhelming majority of respondents do not seek outside help with mental health issues, as only 30.4 percent said they consulted someone else or visited medical institutions.

Although the proportion of those who had counseling or medical help was higher than in previous surveys, the fact that most do not reach out indicates that mental health-related help needs to be more accessible, the report said. It added that authorities need to root out social stigmatization related to mental health problems.

Last year's survey by Hankook Research on 1,000 adults showed that 49.9 percent of the respondents experienced depression. But 88.3 percent of them said that they "just hold it in, because it's not a big deal," while 25.7 percent said they do not even tell family or friends.

In the latest NCMF report, respondents' awareness toward mental health was 3.93 on a five-point scale, down from 4.05 in the previous survey. Negative awareness toward mental health issues was 3.12 points.

It was also revealed Sunday that 6,367 Koreans per 100,000 were treated for mental health issues in 2025. The annual figure rose consistently from 5,520 per 100,000 in 2022.