Korea Zinc has entered into a multi-party agreement to participate in Seoul’s public-private partnership network supporting youth transitioning out of foster care, the company announced Thursday.
The agreement, signed at Seoul City Hall, brought together representatives from nine organizations including Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Korea Zinc Sustainability Management President Jung Moo-kyung, Samsung Electronics, and SK Happy F&C Foundation.
The initiative aims to support approximately 1,455 young adults in Seoul who must leave foster care facilities or families when they turn 18 (or 24 if protection is extended). Around 150 of these youth enter society independently each year, often with limited support systems.
Korea Zinc will contribute to an emergency SOS fund for these young adults, continuing financial support it began providing to Seoul’s self-reliance support agency in 2023. The company’s contribution—reportedly the largest among participating organizations—will fund medical expenses, living costs, and scholarships.
The mining firm typically donates between 6-8 billion won ($4.4-5.9 million) annually to community and vulnerable populations, representing about 1% of its operating profit. Last month, Korea Zinc received the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy award for excellence in creating shared social value.
