(LEAD) Measures unveiled to support young recluses

(ATTN: ADDS photo)

SEOUL, Dec. 13 (Yonhap) -- The health ministry on Wednesday unveiled a slew of measures to help reclusive youths reintegrate into society, marking the first pan-government scheme for young people who rarely leave their homes.

Under the government's definition, about 540,000 people aged 19 to 34 in South Korea are categorized as "isolated youths" because their social activities are significantly reduced.

Of them, some 240,000 people are categorized as "reclusive youths" as they have no social activities and rarely leave their homes at all, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

"Numerous young individuals grapple with anxiety stemming from the uncertainties surrounding their future. The government's proactive initiatives to support their integration into daily life with their peers are a preemptive measure to avert potential social issues," Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said.

As part of the measures, the ministry aims to enhance collaboration among regional governments, police, fire departments and citizens to effectively identify and support reclusive youths.

The government noted it plans to provide consulting programs and other tailored support for 1,903 individuals, who have formally requested help.

The health ministry added that it will open up what it calls a "one-stop" support center in the second half of 2024, and allow the youths to take self-diagnosis tests online.

A recent survey conducted by the state-run Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, involving 21,360 individuals aged from 19 to 39 in isolation, showed that 80 percent of the respondents expressed a desire to overcome their situation.

However, more than half of them reported not receiving assistance, primarily attributed to a lack of information and financial burden.

colin@yna.co.kr
(END)