Socially withdrawn young individuals in South Korea will receive a monthly allowance of 650,000 won (approximately 500 $) to encourage them to venture outside their homes.
Global News Canada reported that South Korea’s Ministry of Gender Equality and Family had introduced a new initiative targeting underprivileged youths aged 9 to 24 who experience severe social isolation. The program will also provide funds for education, career guidance, health and lifestyle services, and activities.
The South Korean government approved the measure to support those affected by “hikikomori,” a Japanese term meaning “to withdraw.” According to Kyushu University, the growing number of people experiencing hikikomori tend to stay at home, typically in a single room, avoiding social activities like school and work.
The COVID-19 pandemic is thought to have exacerbated hikikomori, a global issue not limited to South Korea and Japan.
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family stated that the initiative seeks to “strengthen support to help reclusive youth recover their daily lives and reintegrate into society,” as translated by Bloomberg.
Reports from the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs indicate that nearly 350,000 South Koreans between the ages of 19 and 39, or about 3% of the population, are considered lonely or isolated. Most of these individuals come from underprivileged backgrounds.
The measure highlights several case studies of young South Koreans who chose social isolation during personal hardship or family conflict. One individual cited domestic violence at home as the cause of their depression and decision to withdraw, while another developed hikikomori after their family went bankrupt.
