Welfare Vice Minister Hyun Suyeop: "Researching Youth Basic Income... Seeking Fundamental Solutions to AI-Driven Job Loss"

Socially Isolated Young People More Than Double in Two Years... Youth Basic Income Under Study
Government to Fully Cover First National Pension Premium: "Enroll First"

Hyun Suyeop, First Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, said on Oct. 30, "The recent rapid disappearance of jobs due to AI (artificial intelligence) is pushing young people into income gaps and social isolation." He added, "We have begun in earnest to study a new income security safety net, including plans to introduce a 'basic income' for young people who have been left outside the framework of existing welfare systems."

Yonhap News Agency

Appearing on YTN Radio's "Wise Radio Life" that day, Vice Minister Hyun said, "The share of young people who are socially isolated or withdrawn, which stood at 2.4% of all young people in 2022, surged to 5.2% in 2024, more than doubling in just two years." He added, "This is not a temporary phenomenon but a serious structural risk that the younger generation will commonly face in the future." He said a vicious cycle in which repeated job-search failures lead to income gaps and eventually sever social ties has reached a critical point.

Announcing that the Ministry of Health and Welfare had officially begun research this year into plans to introduce a "youth basic income," Vice Minister Hyun explained, "We are seeking fundamental solutions to the question of how the government can ensure income security amid the new risks facing young people." He added, "In addition to expert research, we will gather extensive feedback from young people themselves on what they consider fair and put forward effective alternatives."

Regarding the "National Pension First Premium Support Program," set to launch next year, he said, "To address the structural problem of delayed employment shortening the period of National Pension contributions and reducing retirement pension benefits, the government will provide approximately 42,000 won toward the first pension premium for all people born in 2009 who turn 18 on or after Jan. 1 next year." Vice Minister Hyun explained, "Already, 12,000 people have applied in advance since applications opened on Oct. 1." He added, "Once the government support establishes a record of National Pension enrollment, even if young people defer payments because they have no income at the time, they can make retroactive contributions later to fill in the gap once they find work and have the means to pay." This can significantly extend the total contribution period and maximize pension benefits, making it "overwhelmingly advantageous to apply and receive the support without fail," he said.

He also signaled a major overhaul of self-reliance programs for young people from vulnerable groups. Vice Minister Hyun said, "Existing self-reliance programs tailored to people in their 50s and 60s, centered on garbage collection and recycling, did not meet young people's expectations." He stressed, "We will greatly expand education funding and create the conditions for young people to stand on their own through a two-track approach focused on 'capacity building' and 'work experience.'" In particular, he emphasized, "We have increased the budget for identifying and supporting 'young family caregivers' who take short-term part-time jobs while caring for family members, as well as 'socially isolated or withdrawn young people,' from 9.5 billion won this year to 39.5 billion won next year, more than quadrupling it." He added, "We will complete the establishment of dedicated 'Youth Future Centers' in 17 locations nationwide by the end of the year and provide young family caregivers with 2 million won annually in cash-like self-care benefits to help them prepare for the future."

On building a foundation for economic independence, Vice Minister Hyun said, "In an era of widening inequality, the greatest gap is in assets." He added, "We will break the cycle of youth poverty with a program that gives young people a lump sum of 15 million won after three years when they save 100,000 won a month and the government adds 300,000 won." The Youth Tomorrow Savings Account, for young people with incomes at or below 50% of the median income, currently has 180,000 account holders and is becoming established. He also explained that young people preparing for independent living, who can now receive extended protection until age 24, are provided with a monthly independence allowance of 500,000 won for five years and settlement support of at least 10 million won. In coordination with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Employment and Labor, they are also given priority access to public rental housing and jobs.

Finally, Vice Minister Hyun said, "The government fully recognizes the difficulties young people face." He added, "We are developing various programs through dialogue with young people so they can live with peace of mind in a changing society. I hope you will stay strong."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.