South Korea offers $500 to reclusive youth to leave their homes

South Korea's family ministry is offering $500 a month to young people aged nine to 24 who have shut themselves at home for long periods of time, in an effort to encourage them to leave their homes and reconnect with society. The government hopes to encourage shut-in youths to return to school, look for jobs, and "restore their daily lives." Around 338,000 young Koreans live in isolation, according to the ministry's estimates. The allowance is part of Korea's broader Youth Welfare Support Act, which also includes support for medical expenses, tuition and school fees, job support services, mental health services, and cultural experiences.