A Special Gift for Reclusive Youth in Nowon-gu

Operating Virtual Company 'Neuseunhan Company' Supporting Social Reintegration of Reclusive Youths in Nowon-gu
Reclusive Youths Active in Neuseunhan Company to Distribute Kits They Created by Year-End
Applications Open for Reclusive Youths Aged 19-39 Living in Nowon-gu, Nowon Supports Youth Independence
Neuseunhan Company Participants to Transform into Participating Artists at 2023 'Nowon Dalbit Sanchaek'

Nowon Moonlight Walk Activity

Nowon-gu, Seoul (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it will strengthen the operation of the 'Neuseunhan Company' to support the social reintegration of isolated and reclusive youth in the area.

According to data surveyed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare last July, approximately 5% of the total youth population in South Korea, estimated at 516,000, are isolated and reclusive youth.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of isolated and reclusive youth has steadily increased due to severe employment difficulties and economic recession. The rapid rise has led to growing calls for social attention and measures. Experiences of isolation or reclusion during youth hinder their social and economic growth, and the repercussions can extend into middle and old age, leading to various social problems.

In response, the district has expanded its projects from offline support centered on the Nowon Youth Work-Life Center to customized support drawing out isolated and reclusive youth through the virtual company 'Neuseunhan Company' since July last year.

Neuseunhan Company is a virtual company established using the metaverse, reflecting the characteristics of isolated individuals who find social contact difficult. Participants who join Neuseunhan Company recover their life routines by going through repeated commuting schedules and prepare to enter society by achieving personal goals they set themselves to escape isolation.

The production and delivery of the 'Euneun Kit' (a kit delivered from reclusive youth to reclusive youth) marks the starting point of this social advancement. Employees of Neuseunhan Company who have adapted move from online to offline workplaces to plan and participate in the production of kits for other youth in reclusive states. The kit, containing their overcoming experiences, includes a coffee ground flowerpot with messages and drawings, a daily question book for reclusive youth, and art stationery to prevent loneliness.

The Euneun Kit can be applied for by any youth aged 19 to 39 residing in Nowon-gu who feel they are living a reclusive life without any separate proof. Applications can be made through the Work-Life Center website or the QR code on posters, and the kits are scheduled to be sent out in December.

Additionally, Neuseunhan Company has shown meaningful achievements in the social advancement of isolated and reclusive youth. For example, Kim Ji-hye, an artist who was part of Neuseunhan Company in 2022, participated in the district’s representative festival, '2023 Nowon Moonlight Walk,' presenting 'Expanding Drawing,' a work sublimating her experiences and life, serving as an inspiration to other isolated and reclusive youth.

In an interview, artist Kim Ji-hye said, “There was a time when I isolated myself due to complex reasons including relationships around me,” adding, “Difficult and depressive periods can happen to anyone during the long course of life. I hope my personal experience overcoming hard times through Neuseunhan Company activities can motivate someone.”

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, stated, “Reclusive youth are not just a personal problem but an issue society must consider together, so we are trying various support projects,” and added, “We will continue to listen to the voices of youth, contemplate their problems together, and seek solutions.”

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