Controversial Comments on Male Suicide Rates Spark Outrage
A South Korean politician, Kim Ki-dak, has ignited a firestorm of controversy by attributing the rising male suicide rates to the increasing dominance of women in society. In a report published on the Seoul City Council's official website, Kim argued that the growing participation of women in the workforce has made it challenging for men to secure employment and find marriage partners, contributing to a rise in male suicides.
Rising Suicide Rates and Gender Equality Issues
South Korea, known for having one of the highest suicide rates among affluent nations, also struggles with significant gender inequality. According to the report, the number of suicide attempts along the Han River in Seoul surged from 430 in 2018 to 1,035 in 2023, with the percentage of male attempts increasing from 67% to 77%. These statistics have fueled the debate on the root causes of the mental health crisis among men.
Criticism from Experts and Advocacy Groups
Suicide prevention experts and gender equality advocates have strongly criticized Kim's remarks. Song In Han, a professor of mental health at Yonsei University, cautioned against making unsubstantiated claims, emphasizing the need for scientific studies to understand the reasons behind the rise in male suicide attempts. Yuri Kim, head of the Korean Women's Union, condemned the comments as a reflection of pervasive misogyny in South Korea, arguing that blaming women for entering the labor market exacerbates societal imbalances.
- The Justice Party has also voiced their disapproval, accusing Kim of easily blaming women who are already battling gender discrimination. They have called for a retraction of his comments and a more thorough analysis of the underlying causes of the suicide crisis.
- Despite being the eleventh largest economy in the world, South Korea continues to face significant challenges regarding gender equality. Women are predominantly employed in part-time or temporary positions, and although the gender pay gap is narrowing, women still earn on average 29% less than men.
