Korean Legal System and the Human Rights of Persons with Mental Disorders: Current State and Challenges

Abstract

Medical and social statistics present the alarming reality that one in four people will suffer from mental illness at some point in their lives. Yet, in most countries, mental health is one of the least cared about issues. Korea is no exception. Here people with mental disorders have been subject to prejudice, stigma, discrimination and marginalization in all aspects of their social lives. Korean legal schemes and practices reveal a grave injustice in the treatment of patients and the administration of the mental health system. Yet, to this date, the Korean legal community has not shown the slightest of interests in this matter. This paper, which is long overdue, aims at bringing this painful issue to public attention,

with a plea for attentive care for this vulnerable group of people. The current status of persons with mental illnesses is analyzed critically and suggestions for improvement are made with a special emphasis on the necessity for a comprehensive national report, as undertaken in both Australia and U.S.A.