Ghaziabad/Dehradun: The rising craze for Korean culture, games, and entertainment is now becoming a serious concern for Indian parents. Experts say that excessive exposure to Korean content is affecting the mental health of teenagers, leading to addiction, impulsive behavior, and even tragic incidents.
Recently, in Ghaziabad, three sisters who were fans of the Korean Lover game took their own lives, shocking families and raising questions about the impact of such addictions. According to psychiatrists, this is not an isolated incident. Similar cases are being reported in different parts of the country.
Influence of Korean culture
Dr. Jaya Navani, senior psychiatrist at Government Doon Medical College Hospital in Dehradun, said to Amar Ujala that the influence of Korean culture is rapidly increasing in India. In the past few months, at least five patients from Dehradun have approached her with mental health issues linked to Korean content.
She explained that teenage girls are becoming so influenced that they are insisting their parents move to Korea. Some even express dislike for Indian boys after watching Korean dramas, preferring to marry Korean men. One teenage girl demanded to attend a camp for Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS), while another openly rejected Indian boys after watching Korean soap operas.
Addiction and brain impact
Dr. Navani pointed out that repeated viewing of Korean content and games increases dopamine levels in the brain, creating addiction. This addiction makes it difficult for teenagers to control their impulses.
Dr. Ravi Gupta, head of psychiatry at AIIMS Rishikesh, explained that excessive screen time and lack of sleep affect the brain’s prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain acts like a brake system, helping people decide what is right or wrong. When it is disturbed, teenagers are more likely to take wrong steps. AIIMS Rishikesh receives four to five such patients every week, diagnosed with impulsive disorder.
Parents’ concern about their children’s attachment to foreign culture, language, and online games
Parents are increasingly worried about their children’s attachment to foreign culture, language, and online games. Many fear that their children are becoming disconnected from family and friends, showing changes in dress, eating habits, and behavior.
Precautions suggested
Experts advise parents to remain alert and take preventive steps:
Ensure children do not play task-based online games.
Watch for signs of children adopting foreign names or languages.
Encourage social interaction with friends and siblings.
Limit attachment to foreign culture and monitor changes in lifestyle.
Parents should maintain open communication with children
The Ghaziabad incident has highlighted the urgent need for awareness and guidance. Psychiatrists stress that parents must monitor screen time, encourage healthy activities, and maintain open communication with children. Without timely intervention, the growing influence of Korean games and culture could pose a serious challenge to youth mental health in India.