[pwaai]

> I spent all my time playing StarCraft to cope

Stereotypes aside, a lot of Korean teenagers (for me, counter-strike and an early 2000 korean MMO called N-age ㅋㅋㅋ) went through this cycle. It was a form of escape, especially as a kid dealing with a stressful environment, I can see why some of us form a special bond with video games.

Another contributing factor is if in that environment, the prospect of earning six digit salary as a pro gamer is very real with poor job prospects in a hyper competitive society. The industry is rife with health issues that is conveniently ignored and unfortunately "mental disorders" are still viewed with the stigma one would attach to institutionalized patients, although its improving thanks to organizations like WHO setting a standard.