(Unofficial Translation)

I am glad to meet this group of “young adults about to become independent” who have been volunteering as “Pinwheel Supporters.” We are joined by others who have provided support to these young people. Thank you. Children protected in welfare facilities and those coming of age who move out of protective facilities are one of our society’s greatest sources of pain. Seeing your resolute and cheerful faces today makes me very pleased.

My Administration has significantly strengthened the state’s responsibility for its wards, from protecting them to helping them stand on their own. First of all, the previous term “no longer protected child” has been changed to “young adults about to become independent.” I believe this new moniker – which reflects their own opinions – has brought them a greater sense of pride. In addition – should they desire it – guardianship protections have been extended from age 18 up to 24, so they no longer need to step into the real world without any preparation for living on their own.

A grant to help them to set out on their own is given when shelter is no longer provided, and the amount has been raised to 10 million won this year. Moreover, a monthly self-support allowance of 300,000 won has been established and will be paid for up to five years after leaving welfare facilities. Criteria for basic cost-of-living subsidies and the mandatory family support obligations have been abolished since 2019 for these young adults about to become independent. Subsequently, asset-building support, including through a “stepping stone seed” child development account, has been expanded to increase the average amount received to 10 million won, more than double the former grant. Together with economic assistance, finance-related training and counseling services are provided at the same time to help them manage their income, spending and savings more systematically.

Financial assistance alone is not sufficient. Independence in a genuine sense is possible only when young adults are able to recognize what their dreams are and what they should do to achieve them. The Government will help young adults discover their talents and careers during the extended period of protection. We are expanding customized career counseling, hands-on work experience programs, opportunities to enter vocational high schools and training for specialized skills. The employment support program and the project to help young people take on challenges also comprise systems tailored for young adults about to become independent. Their opportunities to start careers will be extended.

Young people who enter university have to shoulder the twin burdens of tuition and living expenses. State scholarships, work-based stipends at schools and dormitory support will be strengthened, so they can focus more on their studies.

Securing housing is the first difficulty you face when beginning to stand on your own feet. The supply of new rental housing units in areas near subway stations and college towns has been expanded so that young adults preparing for independence can live in a stable environment. In addition to support for shared living arrangements, we will provide various types of housing tailored to individual needs and characteristics to ensure that they serve as a solid foundation for independence.

Currently, only eight local governments operate centers exclusively in charge of providing support for independent living. A total of 17 cities and provinces nationwide will have established such centers by this June. The number of personnel exclusively responsible for that work will also be dramatically expanded to 120, making it possible to receive customized support anywhere in the country.

It would be ideal if the central and local governments provided all the support necessary, but many shortcomings may persist. Young adults who are seeking independence have few social experiences, so they must feel at a loss. The hardest part is having no one to share their worries with and to talk to. The mere existence of someone with whom they can interact emotionally and talk about their daily lives can be of enormous help. This is something the Government cannot do. Thus, the role of Pinwheel Supporters who can act as trailblazers and mentors for young adults about to become independent is very important. In that regard, I express my special gratitude to all of you.

The Government plans to expand Pinwheel Supporter networks to 17 cities and provinces nationwide. These Pinwheel Supporters will be of enormous help to other young adults about to become independent who feel they have to endure difficult situations all alone. This will also give all of you great satisfaction.

The ultimate aim of this support for young adults is to help them grow into proud leaders of our society. I hope that within a reliable social network, they will nurture their dreams and hopes for a world where everyone prospers together. In fact, our society has not taken much interest in wards of the state or young adults about to become independent. What can help them become truly self-reliant would be a show of warm-hearted concern from society. We had to limit the number of people invited to this event due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but I hope that today’s modest gathering serves as an opportunity to support those young adults running after their dreams and to increase social support for and interest in their issues.

Thank you.