Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

The Defense Ministry and Seoul Metropolitan City have entered into an MOU to collaborate on the Happiness Project

Offer structured guidance for financial and mental well-being

Support young soldiers in exploring career paths and planning for their future

Provide services like employment counseling and AI-based interviews

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup (center of the photograph) takes a group photo with attendees, including Seoul City Mayor Oh Se-hoon (fourth from the left), following the signing of the cooperation MOU for the Youth Happiness Project with the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The signing ceremony took place at the Seoul Youth Guarantee Center on May 15. Reported by Han Jae-ho.

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup stressed the need for comprehensive endeavors to enhance the working conditions of young soldiers and provide post-retirement employment support in society.

During the MOU signing ceremony of the Youth Happiness Project with Seoul Metropolitan City at the Seoul Youth Guarantee Center in Yongsan-gu, Seoul on May 15, Minister Lee expressed the significance of the Defense Ministry's dedication to enhancing the service conditions of young soldiers, who are the pillars of military strength and the future of Korea. He highlighted the alignment between the defense ministry's commitment and Seoul city's youth initiatives, emphasizing the positive outcome of their collaboration. Minister Lee also affirmed the continued cooperation between the defense ministry and Seoul City to facilitate the transition of retiring soldiers into society.

Minister Lee expressed that the signing of this MOU sets an exemplary precedent for collaboration between a central government ministry and a local government, ultimately benefiting the welfare of soldiers. He emphasized that this significant agreement will inspire young soldiers, including junior officers, to be even more committed to their military service, which plays a crucial role in ensuring national security and fostering hope for future prosperity.

The MOU ceremony was attended by Minister Lee, Mayor Oh Se-hoon, and 20 other participants, including high-ranking officials from relevant institutions. The MOU represents the mutual agreement between the Defense Ministry and Seoul City to provide support and assistance for the future career development of young soldiers who have dedicated themselves to military service.

Upon signing the MOU, the two institutions will work together to implement various programs aimed at supporting soldiers stationed in Seoul. These programs include Seoul Young Tech Consultation, which offers face-to-face and online financial consultation services, Youth Mind Counseling to promote mental health, Youth Life Design School to assist with self-directed career exploration and life planning, and Job Consultation and AI Interview services to support retiring soldiers in finding employment opportunities.

Furthermore, the two institutions have agreed to expand their collaboration and actively explore Seoul City's policies that provide support to soldiers in an ongoing manner.

The Defense Ministry expressed that both organizations will regularly monitor the progress to ensure the faithful execution of cooperative tasks and engage in discussions and actions related to these matters.

By Hyun-woo, Seo <lgiant61@dema.mi.kr>

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