On Thursday, the South Korean government announced that it would pay up to $500 monthly for youth aged 9 to 24 to reintegrate into society.
The new plan, designed by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, aims to clear the way for these “lonely youth” to leave their homes and socialize with people their age.
Ministry statistics reveal that 3.1% of South Koreans between the ages of 19 and 39, or “hikikomori,” live in a “limited space, are disconnected from the outside for a sustained time, and have difficulty living a normal life.”
The new measures are part of the Youth Welfare Support Act, which aims to support individuals extremely removed from society and youth without guardians or school protection.
According to the Korea Institute of Health and Social Affairs, more than 338,000 people are considered lonely, of which 40% begin their isolation in adolescence.
Among the factors that lead them to isolate themselves from the outside world are financial difficulties, family or health problems.
This plan also includes employment opportunities, access to education, and health services.
South Korean authorities emphasized that the monthly subsidy is aimed at young people living in a household of four members with an income below the average of $4,165.
Applicants for this program can visit a local administrative welfare center or apply through their guardians, counsellors, or teachers.
“The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family said in a statement that lonely youth are likely to experience slower physical growth due to an irregular lifestyle and unbalanced nutrition as well as mental difficulties such as depression caused by the loss of social roles and late adaptation.”
The South Korean government hopes this initiative will help lonely youth overcome social barriers and reintegrate into society more effectively. The program is designed to provide financial stability, education, and healthcare support and foster social connections for young people who struggle with isolation.
Experts believe that addressing the issue of social isolation among the youth is essential, as the long-term effects of such isolation can be detrimental to their mental and physical well-being. This program aims to tackle the root causes of isolation, such as financial difficulties and family or health problems, which often contribute to a young person’s decision to withdraw from society.
The South Korean government is dedicated to monitoring the progress of this program closely and will adjust its implementation as needed. By providing comprehensive support to the affected youth, authorities hope to reduce the number of individuals living in isolation and contribute to a more inclusive and integrated society.
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family encourages those who may benefit from this program to apply through their local administrative welfare centers, guardians, counsellors, or teachers. The ministry emphasizes that this initiative is an essential step towards improving the overall well-being of South Korea’s youth and promoting a healthier, more connected society for all.
