Why South Korean Young Adults Are Becoming the Fastest-Growing Drug-Use Group

South Korea, once considered largely drug-free, now records the highest proportion of drug-related offenders among 20- to 29-year-olds, accounting for 33 percent of cases in 2024. Online marketplaces have simplified the acquisition of illicit substances, and the popularity of club drugs such as ketamine and ecstasy, as well as the non-medical use of prescription pills, has surged. Young adults are at a developmental crossroads where brain maturation, reduced parental oversight, and heightened social pressures create opportunities for exposure.

Peer environments—universities, nightlife venues, or intimate relationships—can normalize use, especially when early experiences appear harmless. The health dangers include severe physical harm from ketamine, life-threatening hyperthermia and hyponatremia from ecstasy, and unpredictable effects from adulterated pills. Additionally, stress-related self-medication with sedatives or stimulants can exacerbate mental-health issues, leading to a cycle of increased risk and potential overdose, particularly when multiple substances are combined.