[Post-Religion Era] ③ Priest Driving a Bus to Find 'At-Risk Youth' "We Must Rescue Children Neglected Amid Violence, Sex, and Depression"

Interview with Father Eun Seong-je, Director of Seoul AjiT, Seoul Archdiocese
Meeting 'At-Risk Youth' on the Streets Since 2019
Neglected with Issues Like Violence, Sexual Problems, and Emotional Instability
First Let Them Play and Eat... Once Hearts Open, They Share Their Stories Freely
"Many Positive Changes... They Keep in Touch Even After Becoming University Students and Workers"
Moved Locations Several Times Due to Complaints... Regretting Negative Perceptions

Editor's NoteMost religions are experiencing a noticeable decline and aging of prospective clergy. While this is a natural consequence of population decline, the influence of an era that values materialism is also cited as a major reason. How do religious communities perceive and respond to this phenomenon? Furthermore, what role does religion play in our society today, and what impact does it have? We take a closer look at the inner workings of Catholicism, Buddhism, and Christianity.

Every Thursday and Friday, an orange 'SeoulAjiT' bus appears on the roads near Suyu Station and Sungshin Women's University, respectively. Operated by the Seoul Catholic Youth Association Foundation, this Catholic Youth Mobile Shelter is designed as a comfortable space where one can stretch out their legs. It is a place to eat, drink, enjoy, and open up one's heart. The visitors are street children in need of care. Father Eun Seong-je, the director of SeoulAjiT, along with four activists and six volunteers, welcome about ten teachers each session to meet the children. Originally located near Myeongdong Cathedral, the shelter moved to a more accessible location for children who could not even afford transportation costs. Although there are various terms used to refer to street children, Father Eun calls them 'at-risk youth' because they come here facing multiple crises such as violence and sexual issues. When asked about his pastoral work supporting at-risk youth, Father Eun emphasized that there is no such thing as 'moderate' help in his dictionary. Pastoral work refers to a priest serving in a specific role according to the church's mission.

Father Eun Seong-je, director of Seoul AjiT, helping 'at-risk youth' on the streets.
[Photo by Seo Mideum]

- You have been engaged in pastoral work since 2019. Has the program become somewhat established?

▲ Honestly, it is only now that the framework is starting to take shape. The first three years involved a lot of trial and error. From purchasing the bus to figuring out how to set it up, there were many challenges. We receive 35% of our budget from the diocese and rely on donations for the rest, but the COVID-19 pandemic made fundraising very difficult. Since last year, we have been actively conducting pastoral activities, working with about 100 youth every week.

- How is the work of helping at-risk youth carried out?

▲ We park the bus on the street, and I, along with about ten teachers and volunteers, pair up in twos to find the students. We give them simple snack packages and informational leaflets, and most of them follow us because they have nothing else to do. About half of them have dropped out of school. Most have experience running away from home, and some are currently still missing. Usually, these are children neglected because their parents work late. About 10% are completely orphaned, having nowhere to go after separating from their parents. They usually come in small groups, and when they arrive, we feed them and let them play. The bus even has karaoke equipment. The children need to develop a sense of intimacy, like 'this teacher is my person,' before they open up and share their true feelings.

Activists and teenagers are having a conversation inside the AjiT bus.
Photo by Seoul AjiT

- How long does it take for the children to open up emotionally?

▲ Usually, once they start coming, they come every week. Some share everything in one day, while others take four to five months. They talk about various things, such as having been to juvenile detention centers or having anger management issues.

- What kinds of difficulties do the children usually face?

▲ Almost all have experienced self-harm at least once. They are mentally unstable and depressed, so while they dislike going to hospitals, many want to receive psychiatric medication. In such cases, we accompany them to hospitals and provide medical support. If they have experienced violence or sexual abuse, we guide them to (confidential) shelters. When they come with unwanted pregnancies, we refer them to single mother facilities, but they are generally reluctant. Despite persuasion, many end up having abortions. Some earn money through prostitution, but they know that such a life is not good. They usually come to the bus when feelings of depression and despair overwhelm them.

- Changing people or situations is not easy. How much positive change have you seen?

▲ Fortunately, quite a lot. There was a friend whose family was originally wealthy, but after the father's business failed and the parents divorced, the child was pushed onto the streets and faced temptations of prostitution and difficult circumstances. However, after meeting us, the child found emotional stability and escaped the crisis. That friend was 17 in 2018 and is now attending university well. There are many such cases. Some have become pastry chefs, makeup artists, or accountants in companies. Many of these friends still keep in touch with us.

- As a priest currently meeting at-risk youth, what led you to choose the path of priesthood?

▲ I had a difficult family situation in high school, which caused a significant change in my heart. I pondered what the most meaningful work in the world was, and I thought it was being a priest. After deciding, I went through a process of self-denial. At the time, I was a good student and planned to attend a regular university, work in society, and even date before eventually becoming a priest. But one day, through the life of Apostle Paul in the Bible, I realized how arrogant I had been. I then entered Catholic University in 1995, enlisted in the military in 1997, was ordained in 2004, served at a local parish, and re-enlisted as a military chaplain (captain) in 2008. I served in places like Baengnyeongdo and the Marine Corps 2nd Division and was discharged in 2012. Afterward, until 2019, I was in charge of university pastoral care at the Youth Department of the Archdiocese of Seoul.

- You served in the military twice. Was that voluntary?

▲ Absolutely not. Who would want to serve twice? (laughs) Generally, military chaplains serve as soldiers first, then after ordination, re-enlist as officers according to diocesan assignments. Honestly, I had some complaints at the time. I was resentful, but after discharge, I reflected and thought, 'They wanted me to mature,' which made me reconsider a lot.

- You have been doing pastoral work helping at-risk youth for five years, which is quite a long time. Usually, priests rotate assignments every two to five years, right?

▲ Rotation is the basic principle. Jesus did not keep his disciples in one place but sent them out, so I fully follow the church's orders. This is also to prevent seeing pastoral work as 'mine' or 'my kingdom.' Even if it is meaningful pastorally, pride can arise. One can fall into a rut. It is true that this work is energy-consuming and spiritually challenging, but fortunately, I am not greatly exhausted. (laughs)

- I understand that you started the bus pastoral work at the suggestion of Bishop Jeong Sun-taek. Why a bus?

▲ Bishop Jeong Sun-taek said that youth problems were serious, but there were no statistics even on runaway youth. He wanted me to take the bus out and meet the youth. I had been in charge of university pastoral care for a long time and was about to say I wanted to return to the parish, so I was surprised when he told me to take the bus out. I sat at Myeongdong Cathedral and thought about it for a moment, but from the perspective of priestly conscience, there was nothing wrong with his words. So I obeyed.

A scene of the Seoul AjiT bus operating in front of the former KT Nowon branch. Due to residents' complaints, it is no longer active at this location.
[Photo by Seoul AjiT]

It was in front, but it is no longer active here now.

- There must be many difficulties. What is the hardest part?

▲ Anonymous people who file complaints. Since we park the bus on the street and at-risk youth gather around it, some people look at us unfavorably. They file complaints for various reasons, and when the local government receives complaints, our activities inevitably face restrictions. There was a time when the local government told us to stop activities, which was difficult. The children did not suddenly appear out of nowhere; they usually live nearby. They have always been there, but complaints arise as if we are creating a dangerous environment, so we have had to move locations several times. Including us, five organizations operate youth support buses. The other four are entrusted by the Seoul city government and are better off, but we are not. The complaints are more exhausting than dealing with the youth themselves.

- Do you have support from others around you?

▲ Many university students majoring in youth guidance come. Some come for internships, and many continue volunteering after their internships end. Since this is a specialized field, many youth counselors, social workers, and certified counselors participate.

- What do you need most right now?

▲ Attention. If these friends are easily stigmatized, the possibility of change disappears. A German research report shows that prevention costs less than accommodating criminals who have already committed crimes. There is an African proverb that says, 'It takes a whole village to raise a child.' I hope people will willingly reach out and offer help by their side.