Gimhae City in Gyeongnam Province will adjust the age range for youth from the current 15-39 years to 19-45 years, starting July 1.
The city announced on the 24th that it will expand the youth population in accordance with the amendment to the Gimhae City Youth Basic Ordinance, which was revised on February 26.
Once the amended ordinance is applied, the youth population in Gimhae City will increase from 150,000 to 180,000.
The ordinance was revised to reflect the actual timing of entry into society rather than a simple age standard, taking into account the trend of a naturally delayed youth period due to extended years of study, delayed employment, and later marriage and childbirth among young people.
As a result, the city will now provide a variety of support and participation opportunities to citizens in their early 40s, who were previously outside the scope of youth policies, by expanding the youth age range up to 45.
Citizens in their early 40s, who often support families and serve as the main breadwinners, will now be included under the protection of youth policies, which is expected to help them achieve greater economic stability and establish a foundation for independence.
In addition, the city plans to create field-oriented policies by incorporating the diverse voices of different youth groups.
A city official stated, "We hope that expanding the youth age range will provide local youth with longer-term opportunities and serve as a strong support in the process of planning their futures."
Mayor Hong Taeyong emphasized, "We will not stop at simply expanding the youth age range, but will also focus on developing tailored policies that can genuinely improve the quality of life for young people," adding, "We will design policies together by expanding youth communication and participation."
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