Exit strategies

A COMPETITIVE spirit is something South Koreans pride themselves on. It has contributed both to the vast number of Koreans attending elite American universities, and to the country's consistently strong economic performance. The never-ending push for achievement, however, also has a dark side: depression is a serious problem, and the recorded suicide rate—around 22 per 100,000 people—is the highest in the OECD. Now a popular television actor, Park Yong-ha, has become the latest in a series of star suicides. They have prompted a national debate, and the sad spectre of “copycat” suicides.

According to a family friend, Mr Park felt burdened by the search for greater fame at home, where his popularity did not match what he achieved in Japan. He also seems to have had worries about his father's health, and to have been in financial difficulties.