[Report] "I stayed home for 6 years"... Recovery Stories of Isolated and Reclusive Youth

Up to 130,000 Seoul Youth Isolated and Withdrawn
Psychological Counseling and Daily Life Recovery Support
1,078 Supported This Year, 502 Selected

"I stayed inside the house for six years and had no friends to contact. I only communicated with my family. Since I didn't meet people, even speaking became difficult, and walking 5,000 steps was very hard."

Young people are learning dance at the Youth Connection Center program held in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.
Photo by Im Chunhan

On the afternoon of the 26th, Kim (27), whom we met at the Youth Connection Center program held in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, recalled his past like this. Having gone through a long tunnel with no visible exit and having dark thoughts, he mustered the courage to call a counseling center and learned about the Youth Connection Center through a social worker he was introduced to. Kim said, "Honestly, I was very afraid when I first participated. But I wanted to overcome my situation and applied with courage," adding, "I was diagnosed with depression after being tested through a professional institution here. Meeting people similar to me made me feel at ease." After that, his life began to change little by little. Kim added, "I thought I needed to build up my stamina to interact with people. So I started running and strength training."

The Youth Connection Center, in cooperation with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, supports isolated and withdrawn youth to reintegrate into society by providing psychological counseling and customized programs. At 1 p.m. that day, 13 youths were busy preparing meals. The lively and warm atmosphere made one momentarily wonder if they had come to the wrong place. They decided on the lunch menu and went shopping together at a large supermarket. Today's meal was chicken salad sandwiches. When someone said, "The chicken breast was sponsored by Mr./Ms. ○○○," applause and cheers followed. They made the food, shared it, and everyone helped clean up. One youth sang, while another comfortably lay down to rest. It was a free yet energetic atmosphere. A Youth Connection Center official explained, "For youths in a low state of isolation, programs supporting daily recovery such as self-love and relationship building are conducted," adding, "Various activities like cooking, plant care, gymnastics, exercise, and art therapy are prepared."

The first program at 2 p.m. was dance. Eight youths moved to a dance practice room five minutes away, while the rest spent time alone. All programs were conducted voluntarily. This time, they learned choreography for the song 'Smoke' by Dynamic Duo and Lee Youngji. Energetic dance moves followed the lyrics, "I'm either running or falling, a bike without brakes." The instructor praised them continuously, saying, "Left, center, left. It's okay. Jab and move quickly. Again, left, right, left. Fist, thumb, kiss, nod." The youths naturally exchanged conversations like, "Today's leader is Mr./Ms. △△△," and "It's hard to connect the moves," with smiles never leaving their faces. During the break, one youth actively asked, "Teacher, is this the right way to do it?"

Young people are skateboarding at the Youth Connection Center program held at Ttukseom Amusement Park in Seongdong-gu, Seoul.
[Photo by Im Chunhan]

The second program at 5 p.m. was skateboarding. Six youths moved to Ttukseom Resort and rented skateboards there. No separate instructor was needed. One youth who usually enjoys skateboarding became a daily instructor and taught the others. It was a kind of talent donation and part of regaining confidence. The youth instructor said, "First, tie your shoelaces tightly, and let's try to do it together as much as possible," carefully observing the beginners' postures. When someone said, "I'm so scared," others helped by saying, "Bend your upper body, be careful. Push gently, that's good." They took a group photo in front of the Han River sunset and happily learned skateboarding.

Most participants were recommended to the Youth Connection Center after seeking counseling and help from organizations like the Korea Life Line and social welfare centers. This year, 1,078 people applied for the Youth Connection Center program, and 502 were selected. The program targets isolated and withdrawn youth aged 19 to 39, and applications were accepted through the Youth All Information website. Isolated youth are those who have been in an emotional and physical state of isolation for at least six months, with contact with acquaintances once or twice a year or less, or none at all. Withdrawn youth rarely go out and live only in their rooms and homes, and are classified as such if they have not engaged in economic activities for a week or job-seeking/studying for a month. Kim (37) said, "I used to run a business, but due to health problems, I closed it and was very depressed. Honestly, I hesitated to apply because I felt too old to be called a youth," adding, "I have learned a lot by watching young people these days and naturally formed bonds. I hope many opportunities will be given to people like me who are socially invisible."

Last year, Seoul conducted the nation's first survey on isolated and withdrawn youth. It estimated that there are up to 130,000 isolated and withdrawn youths aged 13 to 39, accounting for 4.5% of Seoul's youth. Most fell into isolation and withdrawal due to 'unemployment or difficulty finding a job' (45.5%), 'psychological and mental difficulties' (40.9%), and 'difficulty forming human relationships' (40.3%). Before adulthood, many had experiences such as 'someone in the family having emotional difficulties' (62.1%), 'sudden worsening of family financial situation' (57.8%), and 'being bullied or ostracized' (57.2%). After adulthood, most experienced job failure. Many tried to escape on their own but were unsuccessful. A Seoul city official said, "We will prepare measures so that isolated and withdrawn youth can actually receive help and come back to society to enjoy a safe and comfortable life."

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