Last July was the third edition of the Blue Dragon Series, an event that recognizes excellence in entertainment products in South Korea. One of the most important themes of the night derived from the winner for Drama of the Year, the series “A Daily Dose of Sunshine”. The Netflix original plot focuses on how psychological well-being is indispensable to human beings and follows the life of a nurse new to the psychiatric ward. From a medical and human perspective, each chapter addresses topics about psychiatric problems; each patient is a story and every story has an impact on the medical staff involved in their care. The drama does it in such a way, that their stories are endowed with the power to represent many people and their daily struggle with pain, a point that I consider crucial today.
This Korean drama feels so real because it is based on the eponymous webtoon created by Lee Ra Ha, who was inspired by the anecdotes she experienced while working as a nurse. But, what can we all learn from this drama and its well-deserved award? That psychological well-being and psychiatric conditions should not be hidden in the closet, not should they be ignored since the prevalence of life requires their attention. The relevance of the award lies on encouraging the dissemination of content on self-care, psychological wellbeing, suicide prevention, non-stigmatization of psychiatric illnesses, empathy, among others.
This collective effort to expand the horizons of caring for people and their emotions is taking on more space and relevance in Korea's cultural products which are being received all over the world. In fact, UNESCO has pointed out in courier.unesco.org/ how k-pop videos (Korea's main cultural export) have had beneficial effects on the psychological health of young people, helping them, for example, to transit and overcome the pandemic fatigue derived from the COVID-19 health crisis. For example, groups such as BTS, who promote self-esteem and self-respect, have collaborated with UNICEF by leading the Love Yourself campaign to end violence and neglect and promote self-esteem. In addition, they have helped bring the mental health debate to the table.
Likewise, idols such as Nam and Park have been open about their work and artistic experiences, how these relate to their life stories, and the impact of these on their psychological well-being. Both singers shared details about the panic attacks they suffered and how they have dealt with this problem with the help of health experts. Nam shared part of his experience on the podcast “Mindset” ( which he created and hosts) which Park attended as a guest. In Nam´s podcast, psychological problems are made visible, ways to address these problems are discussed, sincerity is sought, general wellbeing is prioritized and they even have a mobile application that can monitor various aspects of overall wellbeing. Its objective is to be of help to those who need it.
At the same time, these collective efforts to make psychological problems visible are helping to combat Korea's mental health problem and high suicide rate. “According to bbc.com”, the figures for 2023 showed a total of 36 suicides per day and therefore Korea ranked first among the OECD countries with the highest suicide rates.
As a result, the Korean government announced a 5-year plan to reduce these figures by 30%, which incorporates measures such as: providing a compulsory suicide prevention education program to 16 million South Koreans and offering consultations to 80,000 people at high risk of mental disorder, with the goal of reaching one million consultations by 2027, “according to world.kbs.co.kr/”. The goal of this and other policies is to transform the reality of Koreans, to increase their happiness and well-being index.
In summary, South Korea is emphasizing the importance of holistic wellness and social transformation comes from its public policies to the cultural export it generates on these issues, with a clear message of self-care, wellness, courage, honesty and free expression. The cultural impact of idols, series and songs openly talking about this issue does not go unnoticed and adds positively in the fight against the stigmatization of mental illness, being of help to Korea and the world.
September is Suicide Prevention Month. We can commemorate this month by giving visibility and diffusion to mental wellness contents. From the country where you read us, you are not alone. Search for the health organizations available in your area.
Finally, I leave here the message that inspired me to create this article:
“ If there is someone out there living in endless darkness... I hope they don't get tired and continue to strive, until morning comes.” Park Bo Young
How about this article?
- Like0
- Support2
- Amazing3
- Sad0
- Curious0
- Insightful0