"South Korean society feels like a giant 'Squid Game'," Yale University psychiatry professor reflects on Kim Sae Ron's passing

As news broke of actress Kim Sae Ron’s passing at the age of 25, Yale University psychiatry professor Na Jong Ho, known for his past appearance on 'You Quiz on the Block,' mourned her death and criticized society’s harsh treatment of individuals, comparing it to a real-life 'Squid Game.'

On February 17, Professor Na shared his thoughts on Facebook, stating, "Drunk driving is a serious wrongdoing. However, a society that buries (cancels) people completely without giving them a chance to recover is not a healthy one. The way we discard those who make mistakes or fall behind and move on as if nothing happened makes our society feel like one giant 'Squid Game'."

He continued, "Kim Sae Ron’s death strongly feels like she was pushed to the edge of a cliff. The last news I saw about her was an article saying she had to work part-time due to financial difficulties. I also remember seeing how the café she worked at was flooded with malicious comments. How many more lives must be lost before we stop imposing relentless, destructive shame without any room to breathe? Now is the time for social dialogue and reflection."

Professor Na gained public recognition after appearing on the tvN variety show 'You Quiz on the Block' in 2023.