Asia Economy's Lim Chunhan Wins Korea Journalists Association "Life Respect Excellence Reporting Award"

The "Rebuilding Mind Investment" series, a special report by Lim Chunhan, a reporter from the Social Affairs Department of Asia Economy, published from February 10 to 12, was selected as the winner of the "2025 Second Quarter Life Respect Excellence Reporting Award" by the Korea Journalists Association. Lim Chunhan became the first journalist to receive this honor twice since the award was established in 2011.

On the 20th, at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, Lim Chunhan, a reporter from the Social Affairs Department of Asia Economy, is taking a photo after receiving the Life Respect Excellence Reporting Award at the "Korea Journalists Association, Life Respect Excellence Reporting Award - Journalist of the Month Award Ceremony." Photo by Choi Youngchan

The award-winning series "Rebuilding Mind Investment" examined, over three installments, the issues and solutions related to the government-supported psychological counseling service known as the National Mind Investment Project. This project was launched in earnest after the government set a goal to halve the suicide rate within ten years.

Lim Chunhan obtained and analyzed the current status of the National Mind Investment Project, emphasizing the need to lower barriers to mental health treatment and eliminate stigma. He also pointed out that service providers, such as psychiatric clinics and psychological counseling centers, are concentrated in the Seoul metropolitan area and the three Gangnam districts. Additionally, he raised the issue that many users are unaware of the types of certifications held by their assigned counselors. In an interview with Lee Eunjin, Chair of External Cooperation at the Korea Suicide Prevention Association, he urged the government to take an active interest in suicide prevention and to provide both human and material support.