Baek Jong-han, Gwangju Seo-gu Council Member, Enacts Ordinance for Supporting Reclusive Individuals

Baek Jong-han, a member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council, announced on the 25th that the "Ordinance on Support for Reclusive Hikikomori" was passed as originally proposed at the 313th Extraordinary Session of the Planning and General Affairs Committee meeting.

The ordinance was enacted to address the increasing number of reclusive hikikomori due to various social reasons such as excessive competition, employment issues, and crime victimization, approaching it not as an individual deviation but as a social problem, and to prepare institutional solutions by local governments.

Specifically, it establishes a basic plan to prevent social discrimination and prejudice against reclusive hikikomori and to promote their social adaptation by supporting employment, vocational training, and educational programs.

In addition to support for the individuals concerned, counseling and education for their families and guardians are also provided.

Councilman Baek said, "Society often perceives reclusive hikikomori as potential criminals or weak young people who do not make efforts," adding, "It is necessary to establish an institutional foundation through social awareness improvement so that they can come out into the world and participate successfully in society as healthy residents."

According to the Korea Youth Policy Institute, as of 2020, it is estimated that about 370,000 young people aged 18 to 34 nationwide are living isolated from society. In response, Gwangju Metropolitan City opened the nation's first Reclusive Hikikomori Support Center in Jungheung-dong, Buk-gu, last October.

Shin Dong-ho, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy bless4ya@asiae.co.kr

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