The individuals involved in the recent surge of violent crimes share a common characteristic. What unites them is their status as “reclusive loners” who felt disconnected from society. This has prompted calls for the implementation of more compassionate national policies aimed at providing support for these socially isolated and marginalized young individuals. (Image credit: Kobiz Media)
SEOUL, Sept. 7 (Korea Bizwire) — The Presidential Committee of National Cohesion (PCNC) has put forward a proposal for a “national survey” aimed at helping individuals who are socially isolated and reclusive to reintegrate into everyday life.
In a briefing held at the Government Complex in Seoul on Wednesday, the PCNC unveiled a series of policy recommendations under the banner of “Transitioning from Social Isolation to Normal Life.”
According to data from the Korea Institute for Health and Social Research, as of 2021, an estimated 2.8 million people in the country were categorized as socially isolated.
This group includes individuals who lack meaningful interactions with others and do not possess a support system to assist them during challenging times.
The PCNC emphasized that socially isolated individuals are approximately four times more likely to experience depression and contemplate suicide compared to the general population, leading to a significant burden on mental health and an associated social cost.
The committee noted that the issue of social isolation, particularly among young adults who are isolated and reclusive, is emerging as a new societal vulnerability.
Consequently, the PCNC has proposed the implementation of a periodic national survey to gauge the extent, causes, and duration of social isolation and reclusion.
For individuals aged 20 and above, Statistics Korea will leverage existing social surveys in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Meanwhile, for those aged 19 and below, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family will conduct research and surveys to gain insight into the actual circumstances surrounding isolation and reclusion, identify policy requirements, and more.
Additionally, the PCNC has put forth several recommendations, including early identification and comprehensive support for isolated and reclusive individuals during childhood and adolescence, step-by-step assistance for their reintegration into daily life in their youth, identification of areas where support is lacking and case management assistance in middle and old age, and the establishment of an environment conducive to cultural and leisure activities in old age.
Furthermore, the PCNC has proposed the establishment of a ‘cross-ministry control tower’ led by the Social Affairs Minister and Education Minister. This entity would oversee project coordination and performance management through the Social Affairs Ministerial Conference.
Kim Han-gil, the Chairman of the Presidential Committee of National Cohesion, underscored, “By fostering a national consensus that recognizes social isolation and reclusion as not merely individual issues but broader social problems, both the National Integration Commission and the government are committed to consistently diagnosing and providing systematic support for those experiencing isolation and reclusion.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
