The Korean Red Cross announced Wednesday it will run its 2026 "Jalipsi, Kkotgillo" program to help care-leavers — young people aging out of the child welfare system — build independent lives.

The career and employment support initiative is open to care-leavers between the ages of 19 and 34. Through a screening process, 110 applicants will be selected to receive a voucher worth 1 million won ($707) — issued as a Hana Card Huimang Pungcha debit card — that can be used for career exploration, academic pursuits or job preparation.

The Korean Red Cross also plans to run volunteer activities and historical field trips to help participants gain diverse experiences and connect with other young people.

The program supports care-leavers as they begin living independently after leaving the child welfare system, helping them explore career paths and prepare for further education or employment. It aims to ease the financial burden of early independent life and give participants room to plan for their futures.

Funded entirely by donations from citizens and supporters, the program has provided 748 million won to 551 care-leavers since its launch in 2024 through last year.

This year's funding came from Im Dae-hwan, a member of the Red Cross Honors Club — the organization's major-donor group — as well as the fan club of musical actor Kim Ji-hun, among other contributors.

Beyond this program, the Korean Red Cross also supports care-leavers through a housing subscription savings program backed by Korea Land and Housing Corp. and Woori Bank, which covers participants' monthly payments into a housing subscription savings account. The organization additionally provides daily necessities and supports community activities for care-leavers.

"Care-leavers need more than just immediate living support — they need a foundation to prepare for their futures, including their careers and housing," Secretary-General Park Jong-sul said. "We ask for the continued attention and participation of the public so that these young people can build their own lives."


thlee@heraldcorp.com