Mental health support sought as international student numbers rise
Suicide accounted for nearly one in five deaths among international students in Korea since 2021, Education Ministry data showed Monday.
Fifteen international students died by suicide out of 84 who died while studying in Korea during the period, according to data obtained by Rep. Kim Moon-soo of the Democratic Party of Korea.
The figures were compiled through a ministry survey of more than 350 universities nationwide. Accidents were the leading cause of death, accounting for 34 cases, followed by illnesses with 23. Suicide was the third-most common cause.
Five international students died by suicide in 2024, three in 2025 and two so far this year.
The findings come as Korea’s international student population continues to grow rapidly. The number of international students enrolled in the country rose 21.3 percent on-year to nearly 310,000 as of April.
“Rather than focusing only on increasing the number of international students, we need a careful prevention system to ensure that they do not end up taking their own lives,” Kim said.
Universities offer mental health counseling and other support programs for international students. Concerns remain, however, over whether those services adequately address language barriers, cultural adjustment difficulties and limited social networks among students living away from family and friends.
The issue drew public attention in 2024 following the death by suicide of a Nigerian graduate student at Chonnam National University.
Local reports said the student had been struggling with academic pressure and mental health difficulties.
At the time, local media quoted a regional suicide prevention official as saying that there was no detailed response manual specifically addressing mental health crises or suicidal behavior among international students.
“We need to strengthen existing policies, including mental health and psychological counseling programs, so that suicide risks can be identified and addressed at an early stage,” Kim said.
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