Hong Seok Chun Reveals He Almost Died By Suicide After Coming Out And How His Ex-Boyfriend Saved Him
Hong Seok Chun appeared on Dongchimi, where he made a shocking confession about how he once tried to die by suicide after facing heavy backlash from coming out as homosexual.
Hong Seok Chun was one of the first Korean celebrities to ever come out publicly. When he made history with his confession, he was bombarded with hate and backlash from society as Korea was (and pretty much still is) heavily conservative.
I lost everything after I came out. Even my family couldn’t understand me. At that time, I didn’t even want to hear people comforting me like ‘It’s hard, isn’t it?’
— Hong Seok Chun
He thought he could withstand the hate with his positive mindset, but he eventually couldn’t take anymore and decided to take his own life. He went to the Han River late at night, a common location for those who decide to die by suicide.
The Mapo Bridge over the Han River where lifeline phones and supportive messages help defer those who come to die by suicide.
But just before he left the world, he suddenly wanted to talk to someone to say goodbye. He ultimately decided to call his ex-boyfriend.
I’m the icon of positivity. I thought I could fight this by myself and live for a few years with that kind of mindset. But I couldn’t take any more so I went to the Han River late at night.
But before I left this world, I wanted to talk to someone. I couldn’t call my family in that situation, so I called my ex-boyfriend who knew a lot about me.
— Hong Seok Chun
His ex-boyfriend picked up almost immediately and somehow knew exactly what Hong Seok Chun was trying to do. Angered by his decision, the ex-boyfriend cursed him out in an effort to convey how his decision was the wrong choice.
His ex-boyfriend’s brutal honesty helped Hong Seok Chun decide to give his life another chance. His ex-boyfriend had saved him.
I had decided to just hang up and die if he didn’t pick up in 10 rings. But he picked up in 3. I think he was surprised because I wasn’t the one to call that late at night.
Without a word, he asked, ‘Are you at the Han River right now?’ And he started to severely curse me out. I found it funny how he knew exactly what I was doing.
I came to my senses and told him, ‘I’ll go home’.
— Hong Seok Chun
Having first hand experience in trying to take one’s own life, Hong Seok Chun now tries to consult peers going through a similar experience. Thankfully, Hong Seok Chun’s honesty also helped save others which ultimately stemmed from the ex-boyfriend’s help.
So whenever someone tells me that they want to die, I answer in a severe manner. I tell them, ‘If you’re going to die, at least sign up as an organ donor before you die.’
Surprisingly, people thank me and tell me that I helped save them.
— Hong Seok Chun
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or has had self-harming thoughts, do not hesitate to reach out to your local confidential support for people in distress or to call the Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call 1-800-273-8255 for help.
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