The government of South Korea has introduced a program aimed at helping young people who choose to live largely at home and isolate themselves from everyday life. In a bid to ease social interaction, the state plans to provide a monthly stipend of 650,000 won, roughly equivalent to 40,000 rubles. These measures are part of a broader effort to assist these youths as they navigate the challenges of staying away from social circles and formal education, and they mark a significant shift in how the country approaches youth wellness and inclusion.
The stipend targets teenagers and young adults aged 9 to 24 who experience pronounced discomfort when communicating with others. The initiative is connected to a socialization program often associated with the term hikikomori in Japanese culture, though the aim here is practical: to encourage pathways back into schooling, work, and participation in cultural life. By providing financial support, the program seeks to reduce barriers to re-engagement and to create a safer bridge from isolation to everyday activities.
Government documents outline that a notable portion of youths who live in seclusion report beginning self-isolation during childhood or adolescence, with many coming from economically strained backgrounds. The notes underscore the potential role of financial stress and limited access to supportive resources as contributing factors, and they point to the importance of early intervention and ongoing social supports. The program is framed as a step toward broader social inclusion, offering practical help while acknowledging the complex personal and family dynamics involved in chronic isolation.
In public discussions surrounding the policy, there is recognition of the delicate balance between respecting individual autonomy and encouraging restorative opportunities. Critics ask for clear safeguards, evidence of effectiveness, and integrated mental health services to accompany any financial assistance. Supporters emphasize that small, consistent steps—like access to counseling, structured social activities, and flexible educational options—can make a meaningful difference in a young person’s trajectory. The hope is that monthly support will reduce the immediate pressures that keep youths at home and create a foundation for gradual, voluntary reengagement with schools, workplaces, and community institutions.
Beyond the financial component, the program also highlights efforts to connect participants with cultural institutions, schools, and community programs that offer safe, paced exposure to social settings. The intent is not to pressure individuals back into a traditional routine at once but to provide opportunities for gradual exposure, skill-building, and confidence to grow at a sustainable pace. The policy acknowledges that recovery from isolation is a personal process and commits to a framework that respects dignity, autonomy, and the right to seek help in a manner that feels right for each person. The involvement of families, educators, and healthcare professionals is seen as essential to creating a supportive ecosystem around the participant.
Public communications accompanying the policy stress the importance of ongoing evaluation and adjustment. Data collection will be used to track outcomes, refine eligibility criteria, and improve the range of optional services attached to the stipend. Policymakers stress a humane approach—one that treats social participation as a spectrum rather than a single destination. In this view, progress may include remote learning, part-time work, voluntary social activities, and visits to cultural venues, all of which contribute to a sense of belonging and personal achievement. The conversation continues about how best to balance personal choice with societal inclusion, and how to ensure that all participants have access to the resources they need to pursue a fulfilling life.
Recent public remarks about the program have featured notable voices from the entertainment world. A former member of the group BTS, Jimin, has spoken about personal struggles with depression and alcohol use, underscoring the broader theme that mental health challenges can affect people at all levels of fame and success. His disclosure aligns with a wider emphasis on compassionate support systems, early intervention, and accessible care that reaches diverse communities. The inclusion of such statements in discussions about youth wellness reinforces the notion that social isolation is a real matter with serious human consequences, not simply a statistical trend. The ultimate goal remains clear: to offer practical help while fostering environments where young people can choose supportive paths back into education, work, and community life.