Sejong City Council Youth Research Group Discusses Introduction of Advanced Policies

Changes in Youth Culture and the Current Status of Free Space Operations

Representative Lee Sunyeol of the Research Group for the Introduction of Advanced Youth Policies. / Provided by the Public Relations Planning Team, Secretariat of the Assembly

The Research Group for the Introduction of Advanced Youth Policies of the Sejong City Council (led by Representative Lee Sunyeol) recently held its third meeting, where it discussed the characteristics of the changing youth generation and explored policy responses. This was announced on July 4.

During the meeting, there were two presentations under the themes of "Youth and Youth Policy·Community (Sejong)-Centered Youth Facilities and Activities" and "Current Status of the Bangok Youth Free Space Operation." The first presenter, youth activist Yoo Geumbong, highlighted the need for a shift in youth policy, focusing on the anxieties experienced by Generation Z youth, their digital-based communication methods, and their desire to express their identities. He explained, "Young people deeply contemplate life after exams and their own existence, and tend to express themselves by immersing in fandom culture or specific fields."

He further emphasized that "youth policy should be restructured to go beyond simply providing programs, aiming instead to enhance life satisfaction and safety. To achieve this, it is necessary to strengthen the expertise of youth workers, address blind spots in youth facilities, secure budgets, and improve community awareness at the same time."

The second presenter, youth leader Kim Sunghoon, shared the current status of the Bangok Youth Free Space operation, explaining that it maintains continuous use and high satisfaction among young people. He stated, "The positive results are due to the diverse programs and autonomous use of the space, which encourage voluntary participation from youth." However, he pointed out ongoing challenges such as a shortage of staff, operational confusion due to staff turnover, and insufficient safety management of programs. Kim stressed, "The youth free space should become an open area where young people can comfortably rest and stay, beyond merely providing programs, and it is essential to secure professional staff for stable operation."

Lee Sunyeol, the representative member who organized the research group, stated, "It is important to establish a policy foundation that can flexibly respond to changes in the lives and environments of youth," and added, "We will continue to monitor the policy field and develop effective alternatives in the future."