"Please Listen to the Stories of Isolated and Reclusive Youth"

[Youth Isolation 24 Hours] It Could Be Your Story

“It felt like a backup battery that couldn’t even perform a single serving properly. I didn’t know how to charge it, so I quickly ran out of power, and ended up living in seclusion at home for six months.”

"Please Listen to the Stories of Isolated and Reclusive Youth"

On a rainy weekend night, young people are studying at a library in Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Heo Young-han

The 22 isolated and reclusive youths interviewed by Asia Economy gradually entered the stage of social isolation from loneliness in their daily lives for various reasons, experiencing a crisis phase where social isolation deepened. Some receive help from those around them during the isolation phase and return to society, but many youths in their 20s and 30s who cannot do so live lives cut off from society or are driven to extreme situations of giving up on life.

Like a “swamp” where you don’t realize you’re sinking until you’ve already submerged one foot, the small emotions felt in daily life all serve as triggers for isolation and seclusion. However, our society only recognizes youths who have been isolated or reclusive for more than six months as targets for policy protection. There is no control tower that can properly investigate the reality of youth isolation and propose policies.

Loneliness felt in daily life can develop into serious isolation and seclusion, and warning signs are being detected everywhere, but the reality is that timely help is not provided. We spoke with 21 experts who help isolated and reclusive youths on the ground and consider fundamental solutions to the problem of isolation to hear about the youth isolation issue we are facing.

From the 4th, the Asia Economy special coverage team will explore through the [Youth Isolation 24 Hours] series ▲ youths’ experiences of isolation and seclusion ▲ various forms of youth isolation ▲ the current status of youth isolation revealed by a survey of 1,300 people ▲ the field of youth isolation and seclusion as seen by experts ▲ causes of youth isolation and the resulting social costs ▲ Korea’s youth isolation resolution policies and global solutions to isolation issues. The government estimates that there are currently 540,000 isolated and reclusive youths. It is time for everyone to reflect once on the isolation felt by the youth generation, the backbone of our society.