They were found in an apartment complex.
This article includes descriptions of suicide or self harm that may disturb some readers.
In a heartbreaking incident, three high school students were found dead in the flowerbed of an apartment complex in Busan, South Korea. Authorities have confirmed that the students left behind notes describing the heavy academic pressure they were facing.
According to the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency and the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education, the students were discovered around 1:39 AM on June 21. All three were second-year students at a High School in Busan and close friends. They were rushed to nearby hospitals but sadly did not survive.
Security camera footage showed the students taking the elevator to the 20th floor of the apartment building around 11:42 PM the night before. None of them lived in the building, and it is still unclear why they chose that location.
Two of the students left behind letters. Officials said the letters mainly spoke of the stress and pressure they felt from schoolwork. There were no mentions of school bullying or other issues. Police also confirmed that there were no signs of physical injuries or violence on their bodies.
The Busan Office of Education has formed a special response team to look into the case. The school held a crisis meeting at 10 AM that morning, and an emergency meeting was led by the superintendent of education.
To support the families, education officials were sent to the three hospitals where the students’ memorial spaces were set up. The school is also working to provide support for students and staff affected by the news.
