Korean Job Discussion Forums

Steelrails · Joined: 12 Mar 2009 Location: Earth, Solar System

I generally oppose articles about suicides on principle. I don't want a bunch of attention given to people who choose to do that. All that should be written is Man, age X, committed suicide (when) at (general vicinity).

No mention of method or motives or identity. No attention, no story to tell, none of that.

I will say that plenty of us seem to enjoy using the same fails of logic and standards as the abysmal article, and even though we're not journalists, its pretty hard to claim some sort of high and mighty/victim status.

JFP2020 · Joined: 31 May 2010

Hi Guys,

In light of what apparently happened, I have been thinking about doing a piece on mental health services for expats here for the Korea Herald. I was hoping to speak with someone who has experience of the services here and hear what their experience was/is. Of course, it would be anonymously done if the person so wishes.

If anyone has personal experience, or knows of anyone who may wish to talk and wishes to ask them, please get in contact.

Thanks

Stan Rogers · Joined: 20 Aug 2010

This was simply a tragedy.

If people would like to express their condolences fine. Otherwise people, Korean or foreign should keep their opinions about these terrible events to themselves.

Let a tragedy be just that. A tragedy.

RIP

caniff · Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Location: All over the map

On the other hand · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Location: I walk along the avenue

jrwhite82 · Joined: 22 May 2010

caniff · Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Location: All over the map

If you are a Westerner and you sincerely need mental counseling then wouldn't you figure that Korea is probably not the best place for you?

I'm not claiming to be the most sane person on the planet but this should be obvious.

jrwhite82 · Joined: 22 May 2010

I'm not a psychologist, so I don't know if being away from your home country increases or decreases the risk of suicide. I could probably think of a few reasons why not being in your home country might be very helpful. (Being in a toxic relationship back home, having a job here as to being unemployed back home, etc...)

There are services here in Korea. I hope those that might need them take advantage of it. Suicide is never the right answer.

caniff · Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Location: All over the map

jrwhite82 · Joined: 22 May 2010

On the other hand · Joined: 19 Apr 2003 Location: I walk along the avenue

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2011 5:59 am Post subject:

While suicide is tragic, it remains a person's choice right?

Can it be prevented? Yes it can but in order for that to happen the person needs to make the decision to seek help.

At some point, you can provide all the hotlines you want, if a person has gone far enough down the line in their own mind, no amount of available help will change the course they have chosen.

It is very sad what happened to the person who killed himself in Busan but from the description of the events, I do not think he would have called that hotline had it existed. If he wanted help, perhaps he could have called a friend or family back home even if he was estranged from his family, surely there was someone left back there.

My sympathies extend to his friends and family.

jrwhite82 · Joined: 22 May 2010

I'm not saying either that Korea is this amazing refuge of professional help either. I agree with you. But, there are services available if you need them. And I hope that if someone needs them, they make the choice to get help instead of choosing a different harmful option.

Lost500 · Joined: 24 Jul 2010

As someone pointed out, this guy would clearly not have reached out for help. If, & I wonder about the validity of any thing reported, he had alcohol issues then clearly he was not thinking logically. Alcohol is the number 1 contributor in suicides.

It a depressant, yet a relaese that is often a comfort for teachers here. It is also a huge part of Korean life as a whole. I often see Koreans smashed on soju at 10am on my way to work.

I feel awful for this guy but I think the soju killed off all reasoning & he would not have gotten help. I can see no benefit in making help lines or anything, could draw more attention to us. I believe once your mind is set on it, a few bottles of soju will be enough to make you jump.

I will also say & realise that I will face backlash is that there seems to be paranoia amongst us about the press & treatment as a whole. If its such an issue for oneself, go home!

I do believe if a Korean did this in England, possibly Canada or anywhere else. It would be stated he was drunk & took his pants off 7 ofcourse they would mention his ethnicity & job. It is rather messed up to remove ones pants, but I do not know - not in that mind set.

Furthermore to go to the airport & demand to be flown home with no ticket is ummm illogical! I hope one day we see an article in an American newspaper, possibly a family statement. I feel he was beyond intoxicated but we will never know.

Anyway, rest in peace MR X. My condolences to your family, friends & all those you affected. Amazing how your act has stemmed huge debate here, none of which will change anything but it will cause false panic & true sorrow.

KeepingItReal · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

Sorry, but are they sure it was suicide? Did he leave a note? What would be the purpose of taking off one's pants before jumping...? Strange.