Dongjak-gu, led by District Mayor Ryu Sam-young, has announced a program to help isolated and reclusive youth in the district re-enter society, offering support ranging from emotional recovery to job-readiness training.
Isolated and reclusive youth refers to young people who have little to no social interaction or personal relationships and have remained confined to their homes or personal spaces for an extended period.
The district first ran the program last year, with one participant landing a job immediately and three others clarifying their career paths — outcomes the district described as meaningful steps toward social reintegration.
This year's edition builds on the emotional recovery activities with AI-based employment skills education and follow-up case management, designed to give participants practical job preparation support and help them become self-sufficient.
The program is open to about 20 Dongjak-gu residents between the ages of 19 and 39 (born between 1986 and 2007) who want to begin rebuilding daily routines, forming relationships, participating in society or preparing for employment.
Running every Monday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dongjak Youth Center (161 Jangseungbaegi-ro), the program spans eight sessions from Sept. 7 to Nov. 2 and is structured in three stages: opening the heart, healing the heart and leaping into society.
The first stage, "Opening the Heart," guides participants through self-reflection and helps them take their first steps toward inner growth through sessions titled "The First Square — A Time to Plant Myself" and "Heart Care Starting with Aromatherapy."
The second stage, "Healing the Heart," has participants take personality-type and career-values assessments to deepen self-understanding and explore their emotions. They also work through small-group cooperative missions based on real workplace scenarios — such as writing reports — to rebuild social connections and gain experience working with others.
The third stage, "Leaping into Society," focuses on analyzing actual job postings to build individualized career plans, and includes comprehensive interview coaching — AI-assisted cover letter writing and mock interviews — to sharpen participants' job-readiness skills.
The final, eighth session invites participants to compare their "heart-growth records" from before and after the program and share their personal changes with the group. The program then wraps up with guidance on follow-up support available through partner organizations, including the Youth Employment Center.
Residents who wish to apply may do so through Monday, Aug. 24, by scanning the QR code on the promotional poster or by calling the district office.
Applicants will undergo a preliminary consultation to assess their need for support, and final participants will be selected based on a comprehensive review of residency, age, level of social isolation risk and motivation to participate. Results will be communicated individually on Aug. 28.
For further inquiries, contact the Dongjak-gu Office's Youth and Adolescent Division.
"The longer a young person remains isolated and withdrawn, the harder it becomes to reconnect with society — so they need a comfortable space to open up and build relationships with others," District Mayor Ryu said. "We will provide careful support every step of the way, from emotional recovery to employment assistance, so that young people can rediscover their own potential and move forward, one step at a time, back into everyday life and society."
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