Comedian Kim Young-hee, known for her 'Maljahalmae' character, will field questions on career, employment and relationships from young residents, offering humor and empathy to help youth reconnect socially
Seongdong-gu in Seoul is creating a forum where young residents can openly share their everyday concerns about careers, employment and personal relationships.
The district announced it will host a youth communication talk show Thursday, featuring comedian Kim Young-hee.
The event was designed amid a growing number of young people experiencing social isolation and withdrawal due to anxiety over employment and the future, as well as difficulties in personal relationships. The goal is to give them a low-pressure space to share their worries, connect with others and rebuild social ties.
Kim, who will serve as the event's speaker, will engage with young attendees through her "Maljahalmae" character — known for tackling everyday concerns with wit and warmth. Drawing on her signature humor and empathy, she plans to discuss and offer advice on the real-life challenges young people face, including job hunting, career direction and interpersonal relationships.
Rather than a one-way lecture, the event will be structured as a counseling-style session in which Kim listens to participants' personal stories and works through solutions together, aiming to deliver both laughter and comfort. Organizers hope the format will encourage young people to listen to one another, find common ground and form new connections rather than shouldering their worries alone.
Seongdong-gu said the event is part of broader efforts to give young residents opportunities to reconnect with society, while the district continues to strengthen its support policies covering all aspects of youth life.
Designated a youth-friendly city by the prime minister, Seongdong-gu runs a range of employment initiatives — including the "Seongdong Work-Up Project," linked to the Seongsu-dong industrial ecosystem, and startup mentoring programs — alongside lifestyle support projects such as monthly rent assistance, household essentials for single-person youth households newly registered in the district, a youth shared-dining program and moving support for young residents.
The district also works to incorporate young people's voices into policy decisions through a youth participatory budgeting program and outreach policy briefings.
Particularly notable is a visiting mentorship program for isolated and withdrawn youth, aimed at supporting their psychological recovery and social reintegration. This year, the Seongdong-gu Youth Support Center was newly designated as a regional hub under Seoul's support program for isolated and withdrawn youth, establishing a more professional and systematic foundation for assistance.
Seongdong-gu District Mayor Yoo Bo-hwa said the talk show would reach out to young people through laughter and empathy so they do not have to face the challenges of relationships and communication alone. "We will continue to provide attentive support so that young people can stay connected to society and grow in a healthy way within their local community," Yoo said.
For more information about the event, contact the Seongdong-gu Youth Support Center.
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