Youth Addiction in South Korea: A Growing Crisis & Rise of Non-Face-to-Face Counseling
Seoul, south Korea – A surge in addiction issues – including drugs, gambling, and internet dependency – is rapidly impacting South Korean youth, prompting a re-evaluation of traditional treatment methods. Existing hospital treatments and public counseling institutions are facing limitations in addressing the scale and unique challenges of this growing crisis.
Dramatic Rise in Drug Offenses: According to the National Police Agency, drug offenders in 2023 numbered approximately 1,477, a staggering 6.2 times higher than the 239 recorded in 2019. This increase is fueled by the proliferation of non-face-to-face distribution methods, such as social media purchases, “dropping” techniques, and direct overseas sourcing, leading to a younger age of initiation.
Gambling & Internet Addiction Also on the rise: Gambling among youth is also a critically important concern, with a national experience rate of 4-5% in 2022, rising to 6.4% in some regions, indicating nearly one in ten young people are affected. South Korea has also been at the forefront of addressing internet addiction, with specialized camps established to help young people manage excessive online behavior [[1]] and [[3]].
Barriers to Traditional treatment: Experts emphasize the critical importance of early intervention, but many young people are hesitant to seek help through hospitals or mental health centers. Concerns about medical records, stigma associated with mental health treatment, and discomfort with face-to-face counseling are significant barriers.
The Emergence of Non-Face-to-Face counseling: This reluctance has lead to increased interest in non-face-to-face counseling platforms, such as the youth Drug Safety Counseling Center. This platform specializes in youth addiction and offers a discreet and accessible option to traditional methods. The center has seen a growing number of inquiries and is strengthening its expertise in the field.
A Systemic Threat: Youth addiction is increasingly recognized as a structural threat impacting families and communities. The Youth Pharmaceutical Safety counseling Center is being hailed as a new model for addiction response, lowering psychological barriers and enabling practical intervention.
Call for Expansion & Support: There is a growing call for national expansion and institutional support for these non-face-to-face platforms, offering a viable solution for young people who are reluctant to seek traditional care, those uncomfortable with face-to-face interactions, and guardians concerned about leaving a treatment record.
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