The South Korean Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has launched an initiative to bridge the gender perception gaps among the youth by forming the first cohort of the Youth Coexistence and Empathy Committee, set to recruit 150 participants from February 23 to March 13. This committee will aim to discover policy agendas around gender equality that resonate with both young men and women, allowing these young members to propose policy alternatives through discussions and deliberations. The committee is divided into three sectors: employment, social and cultural issues, and health and safety, with each grouping consisting of 50 members.

Eligible participants are young individuals aged between 19 to 39 years old, born between January 1, 1986, and December 31, 2007. The selection process for the committee aims to consider various factors, including gender, region, age, and occupation. Special consideration will be given to youths from vulnerable backgrounds, such as single-parent families and minorities, helping to ensure diverse representation within the committee. Applicants are required to submit an online application along with supporting documents, and operational committee members will undergo a separate interview process.

The committee is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting on March 28, with plans for approximately 15 meetings, discussions, and public forums through the end of the year. This series of activities aims to facilitate in-depth discussions among the youth, allowing them to generate new policy ideas, backed by expert consultations, that could significantly influence national gender equality policies. The ministry has committed to collaborating with relevant governmental bodies to ensure that the policies proposed by the youth will be seriously considered for implementation, following the successful earlier engagement termed 'Soda Pop,' which highlighted youth perspectives on gender issues in five dialogues last year.