Suicide accounts for nearly 18% of foreign student deaths at South Korean universities

Between 2021 and 2026, 84 foreign students died at roughly 350 South Korean higher-education institutions, according to data the Ministry of Education provided to Rep. Kim Moon-soo. Accidents were the leading cause with 34 deaths (40.5%), followed by illnesses (23 cases) and suicides, which accounted for 15 deaths or 17.8% of the total. As of April 1, enrollment of international students reached 307,464, up 21.3% from the previous year.

Analysts say language barriers, cultural differences and intense academic demands contribute to mental-health struggles among these students. The issue gained attention after the 2024 suicide of an African graduate student at Chonnam National University, prompting campus memorials. Rep. Kim urged the creation of a thorough prevention system rather than merely expanding enrollment numbers.