The Korea Institute of Social Security Information Service announced Monday it will hold a public contest to designate a "Social Connection Day" holiday, aimed at raising awareness about preventing social isolation and spreading the value of social connection.
The contest was organized as the Ministry of Health and Welfare broadened its policy focus beyond preventing solitary deaths to encompass preventing social isolation and restoring social networks. The initiative is intended to communicate that shift to the public and build broader social consensus around it.
The date selected through the contest is expected to serve as foundational material for future discussions on officially designating a holiday dedicated to preventing social isolation.
The contest runs for 10 days, from Monday through July 22, and is open to all South Korean citizens.
Participants are asked to propose a date they consider appropriate for "Social Connection Day," along with an explanation of the meaning behind their chosen date.
Submissions will undergo expert review, and five outstanding proposals will be selected for a public online vote on the "On Gungmin Sotong" platform from July 27 through July 31.
The final selection will be determined by weighting expert review results and public vote results equally at 50 percent each, with the proposal earning the highest combined score named the official "Social Connection Day" candidate.
The top entry will receive a prize of 1 million won ($664), while each of the four remaining finalist proposals will receive 300,000 won. An additional 100 participants in the public vote will each receive gift vouchers worth 30,000 won.
Kim Hyeon-jun, president of the Korea Institute of Social Security Information Service, said he hopes the contest will give all citizens an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of social connection and take greater interest in their neighbors. "The Korea Institute of Social Security Information Service will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to actively support the effective implementation of social isolation prevention policy on the ground, and will do its utmost to strengthen the social safety net so that anyone in need can find the help and connections they require," Kim said.
thlee@heraldcorp.com
