Prime Minister Han: "Today's Youth Feelings of Deprivation Are Not Their Fault... Youth Policies Are Insufficient"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Kim Hyewon] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said on the occasion of the 3rd Youth Day, "It is important for young people to take ownership and think about and create the policies they need."

At the Youth Day commemorative ceremony held at Gwanghwamun Square, Prime Minister Han stated, "I do not think the youth measures the government is preparing are complete or sufficient."

He added, "The government has announced the establishment of youth advisors in government ministries and the formation of a 2030 advisory group," and urged, "I hope young people will take ownership and actively participate."

Prime Minister Han mentioned the difficulties young people face in employment, career development, and housing instability, saying, "The hardships and sense of deprivation that young people experience today are not their fault." He continued, "The crisis of uncertainty accelerated by industrial structural changes and rapid technological innovation is difficult to solve by individual will and effort alone," emphasizing, "It is a problem our society must shoulder together and overcome."

He introduced the youth policies currently underway, noting that the Yoon Seok-yeol administration is the first government in history to select youth policy as a national agenda, including the training of one million digital professionals. Regarding housing welfare, he said, "We will soon concretize the comprehensive youth housing plan to supply 500,000 youth cost-price houses and first homes near subway stations, and improve the subscription system and loan regulations." He also stated, "We will provide up to 1.3 million KRW per month next year to young people fulfilling their military duties and strive to increase support to over 2 million KRW by 2025." Furthermore, he added, "We will correct illegal and unfair practices such as recruitment corruption and employment inheritance that deprive young people of fair opportunities."

Youth Day is a statutory commemorative day designated under the Youth Basic Act enacted in August 2020 and is observed annually on the third Saturday of September. This year, Youth Day was co-hosted by the Office for Government Policy Coordination and Seoul Metropolitan Government. The Office for Government Policy Coordination designated the period from this day until the 23rd as Youth Week, holding events at Gwanghwamun Square and various locations throughout Seoul. A total of 15 awards were also presented to youth policy contributors who have worked to improve the rights and interests of young people.

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