South Korea adopts 'youth preparing for independence' term and expands aid

In July 2021, South Korea's government began officially using the term "jarip-junbi cheongnyeon", meaning "youth preparing for independence", for young people who leave child care facilities and foster care. It replaced the older label "youth whose protection has ended", which advocates said sounded like the state's responsibility had simply stopped.

The change came with a push to expand support, led by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. In South Korea, young people in institutional or foster care have generally been expected to live independently at around 18, often with little family support, limited savings and few housing options. Measures covered financial assistance, housing, and help with education, jobs and everyday life, along with counselling and follow-up management by local authorities.

The step mattered because it recognised that these young people face a difficult transition into adulthood without the safety net most peers have. It also set the framework for later reforms and for continued attention to their wellbeing, including mental health, which is the focus of recent reports on depression among this group.