Suicide rates among young Asian Americans, including Koreans, have significantly increased in recent years.

According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the suicide rate among Asian adolescents aged 10 to 19 increased by 72% for males, from 3.76 per 100,000 people in 1999 to 6.49 per 100,000 in 2021. For females, the rate increased by 125%, from 1.65 per 100,000 in 1999 to 3.72 per 100,000 in 2021.

Another study that analyzed suicide rates among young Asians by ethnicity over the past few years focused on adolescents aged 15 to 19 and young adults aged 20 to 24 from 2018 to 2021.

The study detailed the suicide rates of the five major Asian ethnic groups: Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Vietnamese, and Korean, with other Asian groups categorized as "other."

Among Koreans, the suicide rate for adolescents aged 15 to 19 was 8.44 per 100,000, and for young adults aged 20 to 24, it was 15.66 per 100,000. The overall average rates for these age groups were 9.17 and 14.18 per 100,000, respectively. Although the suicide rate for Korean adolescents was slightly below the overall average, the rate for young adults was higher than the average. Even among adolescents, Koreans had a higher suicide rate compared to other major Asian ethnic groups, such as Chinese, Filipino, and Indian, with the average being driven up by the higher rates among Vietnamese and other Asian groups.

The highest suicide rates among the five major Asian groups were found among Vietnamese, with 10.57 per 100,000 adolescents and 17.66 per 100,000 young adults. The "other" category, which included Pakistanis, Cambodians, Japanese, and Thais, had rates of 13.37 and 16.79 per 100,000, respectively.

Anthony Bui, a professor at the University of Washington and the author of the study, suggested that the lack of language support and the stigma around discussing mental health may prevent individuals from seeking help, contributing to higher suicide rates.

He also noted that the increase in anti-Asian hate and societal pressure to succeed may harm young people’s mental health, leading to depression and suicide.

Moreover, the rise in anti-Asian sentiment has led to an increase in gun ownership among Asian households, which is another factor that can elevate the risk of suicide and homicide.

He emphasized, "A youth mental health crisis is currently underway," and stressed the urgent need for culturally and linguistically competent mental health resources.

<Hyungseok Han>