The short drama ‘My Wife Has Depression,’ produced by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, has garnered over 5 million views within a month of its release, sparking widespread empathy across South Korea. The video realistically portrays how depression can affect any ordinary family, depicting the struggles and recovery process with warmth and sincerity. Going beyond mere warnings, the drama offers a detailed depiction of the daily lives of depression patients and their families, deeply resonating with viewers. Notably, the comment section has become a ‘healing space’ where people share their experiences and support each other.
This drama was meticulously prepared by the Ministry’s Digital Communication Team, with in-depth consultation from psychiatric specialists from the planning stage. The video clearly communicates that depression is not a matter of willpower but a biological illness requiring professional help and treatment. The character In-hyuk, who supports his wife instead of blaming her, provides practical comfort and guidance to many families. Over 1,000 heartfelt comments have been posted, with viewers expressing that the story mirrors their own lives and has brought them great comfort.
Through the comments, citizens recommend the suicide prevention hotline ‘109’ to each other and share their recovery experiences, creating a spontaneous community of support. The Ministry leveraged the drama’s popularity by organizing an event to find the hidden ‘109’ number in the video, making policy information more accessible. The 24-hour hotline ‘109’ is emphasized as a vital safety net for anyone facing crisis. Spokesperson Hyun Soo-yeop stated that, like the tomato metaphor in the video, recovery from depression takes time but is always possible with proper support, and pledged continued efforts to produce comforting content for the public.
This campaign demonstrates how public sector content can evolve from simple information delivery to fostering a space for mutual support and open dialogue. It has contributed to improving social awareness of depression and increasing the visibility of hotline 109, providing practical help to those in need. Such initiatives are expected to have a positive impact on national mental health and suicide prevention. The Ministry’s ongoing commitment is likely to bring meaningful changes to people’s lives.
This news exemplifies how public institutions can effectively address mental health issues through digital media. By combining realistic storytelling based on real experiences with expert consultation, the campaign reduces social stigma around depression and naturally communicates the need for treatment. The participatory comment culture and promotion of hotline 109 demonstrate the potential of digital public communication to foster spontaneous solidarity and practical support. This approach could be expanded to address various social challenges in the future.