The former company president of the place where I work jumped off a bridge yesterday after charges of bribery:
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/200403/kt2004031116514810230.htm Another guy set fire to himself protesting the opposition party trying to impeach the president. Last year there were hunger-strikes and counter hunger-strikes (among gov't and opposition members). There were more company boss suicides earlier this year. War veterans and farmers have stabbed/burnt themselves in the name of protest. Family suicides are not uncommon either, the main reason being debt (actually, one suicide and murder X how many family members poisoned/smothered/thrown out a window).
I just don't understand this mentality. Self-harm for political gain and suicide for shame/redemption(?). I'm beginning to think its a national pastime. It all nuts! I can "kind of" understand someone protesting in this way if, say, their people are being persecuted, or they're trying to free their country. I could even see why someone terminally ill or convicted of rape might want to commit suicide. But when it happens because people get caught out being corrupt or just for plain old politics, well it just stikes me as incredibly childish, not to mention tragic for the families left to deal with the mess. I suppose it beats going postal or bombing stuff, but still.
(I know that avoiding shame and saving face are so much more important here and I know its never going to make sense to me, it just really winds me up is all)
