Hana Financial Launches Initiative to Combat Youth Gambling in South Korea

In a significant effort to combat the rising issue of illegal youth gambling in South Korea, Hana Financial Group has unveiled a comprehensive three-year campaign, investing a substantial KRW10 billion ($7.3 million) to both prevent gambling among teenagers and provide treatment for those already struggling with addiction. 

Hana Financial and Korea Problem Gambling Agency Unite to Tackle Youth Gambling

This ambitious initiative is a collaboration between Hana Financial Group and the Korea Problem Gambling Agency, with support from various governmental bodies including the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), the National Police Agency, and the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education.

Hana Financial’s campaign is set to launch a wide range of preventive measures designed to educate and safeguard young people from the dangers of gambling, reported The Korea Herald. Among the planned activities are the production of educational musicals, animations, and webtoons that specifically target teenage audiences. 

Additionally, the initiative will involve public awareness campaigns, workshops in schools, and community centers across the country. These efforts aim to equip teenagers with knowledge about the risks associated with gambling and provide them with the tools to resist the temptation to engage in such activities.

At the heart of this campaign is a strong focus on mental health and counseling. Hana Financial has committed to facilitating 24,000 consultations over the next three years, connecting gambling-addicted youth with professional psychologists and counselors. This support network is a crucial aspect of the initiative, ensuring that young people have access to the help they need to overcome gambling addiction.

Hana Financial Enlists Esports Icon “Faker” to Amplify Youth Gambling Awareness Efforts

To further bolster the campaign’s reach and impact, Hana Financial has enlisted Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, a professional esports player and a highly respected figure among the youth, as the ambassador of the project. Lee, widely known for his success in the game League of Legends, is a fitting choice given the strong connection between online gaming and the younger demographic. His involvement is expected to resonate deeply with teenagers, many of whom are avid fans of esports.

Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to tackling youth gambling, highlighting the need for both prevention and treatment. He reiterated the company’s commitment to creating a social safety net through various programs and campaigns targeted at young people.

Ham expressed his hope that the initiative would not only raise awareness about the dangers of youth gambling but also foster a broader societal commitment to protecting young individuals from its harmful effects.

The project’s multifaceted approach, which includes the nurturing of around 1,000 experts in youth gambling prevention and the designation of 90 local schools as model institutions for gambling prevention, has been met with widespread support. Government officials, educators, and mental health professionals have all praised Hana Financial’s proactive stance, recognizing the initiative as a crucial step toward safeguarding the future of South Korea’s youth.