South Korea plans to provide approximately $500 every month as a cash giveaway to encourage young individuals, who are mostly underprivileged and reclusive, to come out of their isolation.
In an effort to assist young people affected by hikikomori, a term used to describe severe social withdrawal, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family in South Korea has initiated the funding program. The Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs estimates that approximately 3% or 350,000 individuals aged between 19 and 39 in South Korea experience loneliness or isolation.
As per the reports from the Ministry, citing the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, roughly 3.1 per cent of South Koreans aged between 19 and 39 are classified as “reclusive lonely young people.” This term is defined as individuals living in a restricted space, disconnected from the outside world for an extended period, and struggling to lead a regular life.
The Ministry’s report stated that around 338,000 individuals in the country fit the category of “reclusive lonely young people,” with 40% of them starting to withdraw during their adolescence. The reasons behind their isolation are diverse and may include financial difficulties, mental health issues, family conflicts or health problems
