Health ministry launches public-private project to support vulnerable youth

The health ministry on Tuesday launched "Connecting Everyone," a project designed to channel corporate expertise into solving complex social problems. The initiative targets issues where private sector specialization can heighten resolution effects, specifically identifying youth preparing for independent living and those in social isolation as priority areas.

As its first undertaking, the ministry introduced the Youth STEP program for young people struggling with social isolation or preparing to live independently after leaving state care. The project links emotional support services with paid work experience through a four-stage process of screening, training, experience, and partnership.

To fund the phase, Woori Financial Group signed a memorandum of understanding with the ministry and the Community Chest of Korea on the same day. The financial conglomerate committed 3 billion won ($2.21 million) over the next three years. Under the agreement, the government will handle the identification and referral of eligible candidates while the private partner contributes professional capabilities to facilitate their social entry.

Officials noted that companies frequently struggled to identify the appropriate government departments to partner with, hindering effective intervention despite rising corporate willingness to engage in social contribution. Finding the right cooperation bureau often took several months, creating significant field difficulties.

Jeong Eun-kyung, the minister of health and welfare, emphasized the necessity of combining state policy capacity with private resources. "Through 'Connecting Everyone,' we aim to create a new model of public-private cooperation where the government, companies and civil society each leverage their strengths," she said.