Gangdong-gu Provides a Total of 13 Million Won from Hope Didimdol Fund to Six Residents

First Case of Hope Didimdol Fund Payment Operated Nationwide... Total of 13 Million Won Supported to 6 Residents Including Care-Leaving Children Needing Independent Living

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon) has selected the first recipients of the 'Hope Stepping Stone Fund,' the first of its kind operated nationwide.

The 'Hope Stepping Stone Fund' provides up to 2 million KRW in self-reliance living support funds to low-income residents in crisis and children aging out of social welfare facilities. For those who need family support and face the risk of being detained in a labor camp due to unpaid fines under 3 million KRW, the fund offers interest-free loans with a 6-month grace period and equal installments over one year.

From October to November last year, the district identified eligible recipients for the Hope Stepping Stone Fund and conducted focused fundraising activities to raise approximately 94 million KRW.

During the identification period, six recipients were found: five children aging out of care with a will to become independent, and one person at risk of detention due to unpaid fines. In February, the Hope Stepping Stone Fund Management Committee finalized the decision to support these six recipients with a total of 13 million KRW (2 million KRW per child aging out of care, and a 3 million KRW loan for unpaid fines).

Lee Jeong-hoon, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, stated, “Children aging out of care face various expenses necessary for independence, such as deposits, monthly rent, and tuition fees, but the government’s support through self-reliance settlement funds and Didim Seed Accounts alone is insufficient for stable independence. We believe that the Hope Stepping Stone Fund support will serve as a stepping stone for these children’s independent lives.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.