South Korea’s Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced a new welfare measure, the payment of 650 000 Korean won monthly (about $500) to assist socially reclusive young people to ‘re-enter society.’
It is estimated that some 338 000 people between the ages of 19 and 39 are reclusive and lonely. This means they are in a ‘limited space, in a state of being disconnected from the outside for more than a certain period of time, and have noticeable difficulty in living a normal life.’
‘Reclusive youths can have slower physical growth due to irregular living and unbalanced nutrition, and are likely to face mental difficulties such as depression due to loss of social roles and delayed adaptation,’ a report on the matter said.
The drivers behind this include financial troubles, mental or family problems, or health concerns.
Young people aged between 9 and 24 will be eligible for the grant, provided their household income falls below the national median of 5.4 million won per month (equivalent to roughly $4 165) for four people. Claimants can apply for themselves, or it may be done on their behalf by guardians or teachers.
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