Surge in Illegal Drug Use Among Korean Youth: 218% Increase in Seizures

June 10, 2025
Surge in Illegal Drug Use Among Korean Youth: 218% Increase in Seizures

A 14-year-old girl from Busan, identified as 서모, began self-harming during her sixth-grade year while preparing for entrance exams to an arts middle school. The relentless pressure from academic performance and the competitive nature of high school and college admissions left her feeling suffocated. Recently, she has resorted to abusing medications, leading to visible injuries on her arms, which she refers to as 'drug self-harm.'

There has been a significant rise in the number of adolescents engaging in 'drug self-harm' by overdosing on cold medications and sleep aids. Many of these youths share their experiences on social media, posting self-harm photos or creating private group chats to discuss their methods. This behavior has evolved into a troubling peer culture, with experts warning that it reflects a distorted way of expressing emotions among young people.

Alarmingly, even banned Japanese cold medications are being circulated among teenagers as tools for self-harm. According to data submitted by the office of Lee Jong-wook, a member of the National Assembly, the amount of Japanese cold medicine containing the narcotic ingredient dextromethorphan smuggled into South Korea from January to April 2025 reached 22,560 grams, marking a staggering 218% increase compared to the same period last year, which saw only 7,093 grams.

Teenagers are also using social media to spread information about drug self-harm. They have formed communities online, such as one with over 600 members, where they share self-harm stories and recommend drug combinations.

Many minors are falling into addiction through these online platforms. A 17-year-old girl, 김모, shared that she first encountered 'OD' (overdose) discussions on social media and, driven by curiosity, began experimenting with drugs obtained through a Japanese friend she met online.

Some minors are even traveling to local markets or using overseas shopping sites to acquire banned Japanese medications for self-harm. A 15-year-old girl, A, mentioned that she could find Japanese drugs at a local market and has made trips specifically for this purpose. A recent visit to a local market revealed that 8 out of 13 shops selling imported Japanese goods were illegally offering these medications. The influx of illegal drugs and their accessibility to youth have reached alarming levels.

Many teenagers involved in drug self-harm have been diagnosed with mental health issues such as depression or anxiety but often lack access to proper psychological counseling or treatment. Despite recognizing the need for help, they are frequently hindered by financial constraints, family opposition, or systemic barriers, leading them to express their pain through self-harm.

For instance, a 14-year-old girl from Gumi, 김모, has struggled with emotional instability due to frequent school transfers and family conflicts but is unable to receive medication due to her parents' disapproval. She stated, 'The doctor said I need medication, but my parents think it's a waste of money. When I'm scared and lonely, I feel like no one is there for me, while other kids grow up in good environments.'

Experts warn that the increasing trend of using self-harm as a means of emotional expression among adolescents is a dangerous signal. Professor Kim In-hyang from Hanyang University’s Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry emphasized that self-harm is not merely a cry for attention or imitation but a misguided coping mechanism stemming from profound emotional distress. She cautioned that such behavior often arises from a sense of hopelessness, where individuals feel trapped with no other way to escape their situation.

Professor Kim also noted that while self-harm is being normalized as a form of expression within peer groups on social media, it is not a solution to their pain and can lead to deeper wounds.

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