The Korea Hana Foundation announced on Monday that it has partnered with the Financial Industry Public Interest Foundation to launch the Hana Day Project. This initiative aims to support North Korean defectors in their transition away from government assistance and towards stable self-reliance.
The Hana Day Project targets work-capable North Korean defectors who are currently receiving basic living assistance or are in the low-income bracket. The program offers a comprehensive support package that includes job preparation training, assistance in transitioning off government aid, and post-transition support. The goal is to help participants secure stable employment, increase their income, and build assets, ultimately leading to genuine financial independence.
According to the Korea Hana Foundation, Hana Day symbolizes the day when North Korean defectors become employed and no longer rely on government assistance. The term also embodies the idea of these individuals becoming one with society and achieving true social integration.
This three-year initiative, set to run from this month until November 2028, has a total budget of 400 million KRW (approximately 271,300 USD). The Financial Industry Public Interest Foundation will provide the funding, while the Korea Hana Foundation will implement the project. The program will primarily focus on individuals receiving basic living assistance and those in the low-income bracket, offering support in job preparation, transitioning off assistance, and maintaining self-sufficiency.
Lee Ju-tae, Acting Chairman of the Korea Hana Foundation, emphasized the importance of comprehensive support for North Korean defectors. Lee stated that to achieve true self-reliance, it needs to go beyond just job placement. It needs to provide pre-employment experience, job preparation, income and expense management training, and guidance on building financial assets. He added that through the Hana Day Project, it aims to collaborate with the Financial Industry Public Interest Foundation to create a model that effectively supports North Korean defectors in their journey to financial independence.