'Resting' Youths and Families in Crisis
The term 'resting' refers to a population within the economically inactive group that is not participating in the labor market without special reasons or education/training. Is there a way to save the 'resting' youths?
On the 17th, SBS's 'I Want to Know That' traced the issues faced by kangaroo families in a 'resting' state.
In 2023, a typical office worker, Lee Yoon-cheol, was horrified after encountering a post online stating "I want to kill myself." The police stepped in, providing protection, and after an investigation, a man was apprehended. However, there was an astonishing twist – the writer of the post was none other than his younger brother, Lee Chan-young.
After graduating high school, Lee Chan-young lived without a job with his mother, and his brother, Lee Yoon-cheol, spared no economic support for such a sibling. The fact that his brother attempted to murder him with a deadly weapon was shocking in itself.
The younger brother living with the family prepared a weapon
He stated to the police, "I wanted to die, but I was afraid. I thought it would be better to kill someone and go to prison." The older brother requested leniency, defending his sibling until the end, and ultimately, Lee Chan-young was released on probation.
However, Lee Chan-young again cut off contact and disappeared. In a house later found, a long letter full of rage directed at his brother and the weapon used was discovered. Eventually, he posted another message suggesting suicide and was placed under administrative hospitalization by the police.
Lee Yoon-cheol believes his mother is also part of the problem. Always protecting her younger son, she once even considered taking extreme measures for her eldest son and youngest son. Ultimately, the brother and mother decided to try living together as a family again, understanding each other’s pain.
Experts warn that the issues faced by isolated youths are spilling over, collapsing 'entire families' as a result. In Japan, this has already emerged as a social issue, and similar patterns are appearing in Korea.
Indeed, one informant shared their experience of almost being murdered by a younger brother who had been a recluse for ten years. He cried, "If I leave my brother alone, he might die. I'm scared of retaliation. I feel like tough situations are coming my way."
An expert advised, "Their state of chronic depression and anxiety is prevalent. In such cases, healing is more likely when someone who has undergone similar experiences approaches, rather than family members."
Another recluse, a 32-year-old named Choi Jin-mo (pseudonym), who has not left his home for 12 years, also appeared on the show to share his reality. He met with the production team while his parents were at work, saying, "It’s been months since I communicated with others."
His only spaces for communication are online communities. He mentioned, "I actively participate in DC (DC Inside), Femco (AFEM Korea), and Ruliweb, but I have never made a single friend," and in reality, his phone only had the contacts 'Mom' and 'Dad.'
Another expert pointed out, "When they attempt to communicate with their family, if they miss that golden opportunity, they end up isolated again. Many have already lost the timing for recovery within the family, so society must intervene to create a virtuous cycle."
The program concluded with the message, "In the grand scheme of life, a 'pause' can be an opportunity. Ultimately, it is our society that opens up that possibility."
Image source: SBS 'I Want to Know That'
