President Lee: 'Have we sufficiently considered the youth generation? A change in thinking is needed.'

President Lee Jae-myung has called for a fundamental reevaluation of youth policies, admitting that the current approach may not adequately address the needs and aspirations of the younger generation. Speaking at a meeting with youth policy experts, Lee acknowledged that while policies for older generations have consistently received substantial support and expansion, the consideration given to young people might have fallen short. He questioned whether the current policies truly support young individuals facing challenges and pursuing opportunities.

"We have consistently increased policy support for the elderly generation, but have we sufficiently considered the youth generation?" Lee asked during the 'Expert Meeting for a Great Transition in Youth Policy' held at the Blue House. He expressed concern that policies, often framed by past generations' standards, might not align with the realities faced by today's youth. The president highlighted the frustration many young people experience due to limited opportunities, suggesting that traditional encouragement for taking risks and learning from failure might be met with criticism in the current climate.

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We have consistently increased policy support for the elderly generation, but have we sufficiently considered the youth generation? It is true that there were thoughts that it would be helpful for them to try and fail as experience.

Lee reiterated his commitment to shifting youth policy from a provider-centric model to one that is more responsive to the demands of the recipients. He observed that government policies often operate from the perspective of the provider, potentially leading to a disconnect where the intended beneficiaries feel their actual needs are not being met. "There are many times when those who are the subjects of policy feel that the government is missing the mark," Lee stated, emphasizing the necessity for a change in thinking.

This call for a policy overhaul follows Lee's earlier remarks on June 6th, where he proposed actively reviewing the restructuring of youth policies. The focus, he indicated, should be on core areas of young people's lives, including education, employment, income and assets, housing, and marriage. This strategic realignment aims to ensure that policies are more effective and relevant to the current socio-economic landscape impacting South Korea's youth.

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There are many times when those who are the subjects of policy feel that the government is missing the mark. A change in thinking is needed.