Same in Korea. University students jump from buildings during finals week for fear of failing tests and shaming themselves and their families.
" Suicide is the fourth most common cause of death in South Korea; on average, 40 people commit suicide every day. South Korea has the highest suicide rate among the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) nations, which include countries such as Germany, the U.K., and Japan. It is the only OECD country whose suicide rates have increased since the 1990s. For years, social scientists have puzzled over why this economically successful state has such startlingly high suicide rates."
If you look at the comment section, Kim made a comment about the article that is spot on. The article was true 20 years ago. High school students and Middle school students would stay at school and study until 11 or 12 o’clock at night. The went to school on Saturdays and had half day classes on Sundays. This is no longer the case. The school system is very much like the American school system now, with the exception of after school private academy s. Most students go to private academies after their regular classes.
Embarrassment over failure certainly plays a big role IMO.