The South Korean government is making an effort to encourage children who are staying indoors to venture out and enjoy the outdoors. They feel it will be beneficial for them mentally and physically.
The government of the country has recently passed a law that will enable them to give financial assistance and crucial support services to those aged between 9 and 24 who are living as recluses. This could include thousands of dollars in the form of education, counselling for jobs, and healthcare subsidies.
South Korean young people who meet certain criteria are eligible for financial support in various areas, such as receiving 650,000 won each month to cover general living expenses.
According to TIME, the government is fervently working to help young people in need by providing them with the necessary assistance and support to help them get back into the groove of daily life and reintegrate into society, as stated by the Ministry.
It is estimated that approximately 350,000 South Koreans aged 19 to 39 are suffering from loneliness or seclusion, making up 3% of the population. These numbers have been documented in a study by Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs.
Several factors, such as stress, social anxiety and financial instability are causing this phenomenon to spread rapidly. Despite the overall economy of South Korea flourishing in recent years, its youth unemployment rate still remains at a worrying 7.2%, the highest amongst all age groups.
