Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Cornfed]

One of my classes was cancelled today because a student had killed herself over a dispute with her mother or some such. I don't know which one it was yet and kind of dread finding out, since I quite like most of the girls in that class. I can't say I really blame kids for killing themselves these days as they really did pick a shitty time to be alive, but it's still rather sad. What usually happens after such events? Is one supposed to show sympathy and greif in some way or does life just go on?

[creesschaef]

[Fishead soup]

I worked at a school where one of the teachers killed himself. It was strange. They went out for a heavy drinking session. He was the one who helped everyone else go home. Then he drank poison. The next day he didn't show up. We later found out he had poisoned himself.

It's really morbid how quickly things get back to normal.

[pkang0202]

People stop mourning for non family members the minute the money envelope goes in the wooden box at the funeral.

Its basically like, "I"m so sorry for your loss. Here's 30,000w. I'm going back to my normal life now."

[xeno439]

[Cerriowen]

Leading cause of death between 20-30 in Korea.

That sucks for the OP. I don't think you're expected to do anything. Her homeroom teacher will handle the school's participation.

They will most likely pretend like it didn't happen after a few days.

[QbertP]

Sorry to hear it.

I had a girl at my school go missing for 4 days(not home, not school) I mentioned it to my CT's and I think I was the only one worried. Thankfully she showed back up.

[CentralCali]

When it's time for her class to graduate from your school, her parents will be present. They will carry a mourning picture (large, framed photo with mourning ribbon) in the graduation parade.

[cobright]

[drunkenfud]

[CentralCali]

It's tragic, but it's also touching. I do like the idea that the student is still considered part of the class all the way through. It seems to comfort the parents.

And before anyone starts castigating the parents, let's try to remember that suicide is a very complex issue. Also, nobody really knows all the facts in the case. "Dispute with the mother" could be anywhere from "I cam cancelling your cell phone account" to beating the daylights out of the girl. As I said, nobody knows really what it was all about.

[Jimskins]

One of my co-teachers killed themselves yesterday. I got a phone-call at half nine last night telling me the news, and to be ready in an hour in a suit to go for mourning. They then called me back to say don't worry about it and not to say anything to the students (they will tell them that he has gone on holiday).

I must admit he was not one of the co-teachers I was close too (he even asked permission to stop coming to my classes -I teach high school and never use my co-teachers at all) but I still feel pretty numb today, can't concentrate. He was friendly enough and we had a few sojus together. I really feel for his family, he had a wife and kids.

None of the teachers seem to be talking to each other today and everyone looks down, but I'm sure it will be back to normal tomorrow.

What a waste.

[Tobias]

What's the name of that hotel in Bangkok the Farang keep jumping from?

No one asks to be born. No one has a choice in the hands he's given. The way I figure it, we have the right to decide, and suicide should be accepted. If one wants to jump, let 'im go. No dishonor there. If ya wanna take the leap, don't stay alive on my account. Don't let my boo-hoo-ing keep you from it.

[hagwonnewbie]

There are some interesting parallels between gun deaths in the U.S. and suicides in Korea.

here are some statistics:

http://www.who.int/mental_health/media/repkor.pdf

and

http://www.ichv.org/Statistics.htm