Seoul Youth Pre-Internship Period Compensation
Promotion of 'Youth Basic Ordinance' Amendment
Protection of Rights for Youth Veterans
"To Eliminate Policy Blind Spots"
The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to allow young people who have fulfilled their military service obligations to participate in 'youth policies' such as Seoul Youth Reserve Internships and Future Youth Jobs for a period equivalent to their service. This decision is based on the judgment that young people in their early to mid-20s do not receive benefits while serving.
On the 11th, Seoul announced that it will push for an amendment to the 'Seoul Metropolitan Youth Basic Ordinance' aimed at extending the period during which young people can receive support from city youth policies by the length of their mandatory military service.
On the 10th, participants are looking at the job posting board at the '2024 Veterans Employment and Startup Expo' held at the Peace Plaza of the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@
Seoul has focused on the fact that young people in their early to mid-20s have been in a blind spot regarding 'youth policy' benefits during their mandatory military service, which has prevented them from gaining sufficient social experience and opportunities. Accordingly, the city has been preparing to amend the ordinance to protect the rights and interests of young veterans and provide equal opportunities for policy participation.
First, the city plans to submit an amendment to the 'Seoul Metropolitan Youth Basic Ordinance' containing provisions for 'preferential support for veterans' to the 327th regular session of the Seoul Metropolitan Council starting this November. The amendment will be implemented from next year after review and approval by the council. Once passed, Seoul will classify youth projects into those that can be expanded internally, such as youth programs and youth allowances, and those requiring consultation with central government ministries and social security systems, and will promote expanded support for young veterans. Currently, among 50 youth policies, three job-related projects?Seoul-type Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Youth Intern Job Camps, and the Youth Veterans Counseling Center?are supported in accordance with the 'Act on Support for Veterans.'
Seoul has operated the 'Youth Veterans Counseling Center' since March 2022, the first of its kind nationwide, driven by the responsibility that 'without veterans, there is no defense.' The center currently provides support ranging from assistance with national merit applications and free legal counseling related to grade determination, to psychological rehabilitation for depression and panic disorder, support for self-help groups to restore social relationships, and employment and entrepreneurship support.
In October of the same year, Seoul enacted the nation's first 'Youth Veterans Support Ordinance' to promote practical support. Additionally, Mayor Oh Se-hoon personally proposed to the Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs the introduction of additional points for civil service and public enterprise exams for young veterans. Mayor Oh stated, "Soldiers who have served and dedicated themselves to the country deserve to be accepted by society and especially supported unconditionally by the public on the front lines. Through this ordinance amendment, we will not only enhance the pride of young people who have fulfilled their military duties but also ensure they receive sufficient policy support that they missed during their service."
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