Prime Minister Visits Eunpyeong District's 'Episode Cafe'... Operations Begin on the 18th

Emphasizing the Expansion of Support Models for Young People Preparing for Self-Reliance

On November 13, Eunpyeong District in Seoul (District Mayor Kim Mikyung) announced that Prime Minister Kim Minseok visited the 'Episode Cafe,' which provides stable jobs and practical independent living spaces for young people preparing for self-reliance, to inspect the preparations and encourage those involved.

On the 13th, Prime Minister Kim Minseok (sixth from the left) and District Mayor Kim Mikyung (fifth from the left) visited 'Eunpyeong Episode.' Provided by Eunpyeong District.

This on-site inspection was arranged ahead of the official opening on November 17 and the start of full operations on November 18. Prime Minister Kim arrived at the cafe at 10:30 a.m. and met with key officials on site, including Kim Mikyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong District, National Assembly members Park Jumin and Kim Wooyoung, and Eunsung Ho, Director General of Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Prime Minister Kim toured the facilities thoroughly from the first floor to the rooftop for about 50 minutes and was briefed on policies supporting young people preparing for self-reliance.

Three young people preparing for self-reliance also joined the visit: Song Choran (24), a barista; Jae Chansuk (24), CEO of the Aiki Foundation; and Na Donghwa (23), head of the self-reliance youth ensemble 'MOA.' During the on-site conversation, Prime Minister Kim emphasized, "The government and local communities must work together to ensure that young people preparing for self-reliance can establish themselves as stable members of society," adding, "The government will actively support the expansion of practical support models like this cafe."

The 'Episode Cafe' will officially open on November 17 and begin full operations on November 18. The cafe, spanning 66 square meters on the first floor and 80 square meters on the rooftop, will be staffed year-round from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. by a total of five people: one manager and four baristas who are young people preparing for self-reliance. Beyond simply providing jobs, the cafe will serve as a practical space for independence by connecting cultural activities and various programs. Additionally, the facility includes 18 parking spaces and a drive-through to enhance convenience for local residents.

Kim Mikyung, Mayor of Eunpyeong District, stated, "Eunpyeong District will take the lead in providing a platform for young people preparing for self-reliance to realize their dreams," and added, "We will continue to support the Episode Cafe so that it can become a space of hope that helps young people achieve independence and growth."

The district plans to continue implementing comprehensive policies to help young people preparing for self-reliance settle into society stably, including support for employment, housing stability, and psychological and emotional well-being.