Middle Schooler 'Geumjjok' on 'My Golden Kid' Pleads for Help from Production Crew

A heartbreaking plea for help from a middle schooler, known as 'Geumjjok', to the production team was revealed on the Channel A program 'Now Raising - My Golden Kid'.

On this day, the episode, titled 'Middle Schooler Son with Extreme Words, Could it be Adolescent Depression?', shared Geumjjok's story. Geumjjok had been isolating himself, sending alarming messages to his father such as 'Please don't look for me' and 'It's better to run away than be stressed', shocking everyone including the cast.

He even uttered extreme words to his father, who confessed, 'At first, I thought it was just adolescence, but it has gone too far.' Dr. Oh Eun-young pointed out the mental health issues facing adolescents, stating that 1 in 7 global teenagers aged 10-19, or 14%, are at serious risk for mental health problems, requiring treatment for anxiety or depression.

She further emphasized that 'intentional self-harm' is the leading cause of death among Korean adolescents and highlighted the importance of distinguishing between typical adolescent behavior and symptoms of depression.

During an interview with the production crew, after a long silence, Geumjjok tearfully sent out an SOS, saying, 'I feel like dying. Please help me.' Following an emergency consultation, Geumjjok scored as high-risk, adding to the concern.

Addressing the father's statement that Geumjjok began making extreme remarks this year, Dr. Oh Eun-young explained that depression typically involves persistent low mood and loss of interest for at least two weeks. While typical adolescent behavior might involve temporary mood swings or blaming external factors, depression leads individuals to internalize all problems.

Observing Geumjjok's sad expression, tearfulness, and lack of confidence in his soft voice, Dr. Oh Eun-young diagnosed, 'In our Geumjjok's case, it is appropriate to consider it adolescent depression.' She added that memory loss and difficulty recalling words are also common symptoms of depression.

Geumjjok is exhibiting severe depressive symptoms and is in dire need of support. Dr. Oh Eun-young has diagnosed his condition as likely adolescent depression, surpassing typical teenage angst. The hope is that Geumjjok will receive professional help and recover to a healthy daily life.