Seoul Metropolitan Government Partners with G-Dragon to Enhance Youth Drug Prevention Programs
The Seoul Metropolitan Government has teamed up with global K-pop sensation G-Dragon in a bold move to tackle the growing problem of drug use among young people. This new partnership aims to boost prevention, early intervention, and rehabilitation efforts citywide.
On June 23, Seoul hosted the talk concert titled Drug Eradication: A Promise for the Future – Safe Seoul Together, bringing together major players from various sectors to hash out a united front against narcotics. This event, held just days before the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, highlighted Seoul’s commitment to creating a safer, drug-free environment.
A major milestone at the event was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between several important organizations. These signatories include the JusPeace foundation, which was founded by G-Dragon, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, the Seoul Medical Association, the Korea Anti-Drug Campaign Headquarters, and twenty top universities in Seoul. Mayor Oh Se Hoon showed up to lend his full support too.
The JusPeace foundation will play an active role alongside the city to launch anti-drug campaigns that mix art with public service. The overall goal is to spread awareness and build a culture that prevents drug abuse before it starts. Partner groups are also focusing on boosting addiction treatment, rehabilitation programs, and educational outreach—all geared toward young people.
One of the standout goals of this effort is what they call protecting the "golden hour" for treatment—the critical early window when help can really make a difference. Until now, treatment and rehab in Seoul often only begin after lengthy legal processes like indictments or sentencing, sometimes leaving young users in limbo for months or even a year. The new model aims to change that by providing immediate counseling and support as soon as youth come into contact with law enforcement.
Mayor Oh Se Hoon expressed the significance of this initiative clearly:
"Seoul City, along with the police, education authorities, universities, medical institutions, and civil organizations, is not just engaging in administrative cooperation. We are pledging to become a protective shield for society. We will build a strong support network so that people who want to escape drug use no longer feel helpless. This system will connect recovery, rehabilitation, education, and support, helping citizens regain control of their lives." Mayor Oh Se Hoon
By combining efforts from the police, schools, medical groups, universities, and civil organizations, Seoul hopes to establish a tight-knit support system that’s ready to act quickly when young people need help combating drug issues. The collaboration signals a shift towards a more supportive, proactive approach, rather than waiting for the legal system to take its course.
With G-Dragon’s JusPeace foundation adding artistic influence and broad reach, the campaign is expected to resonate strongly among youth and help make the message stick. The partnership is a clear example of how public figures and government bodies can come together to tackle serious social issues with practical, thoughtful action.
This initiative looks like a promising step forward in Seoul’s ongoing fight against drug abuse, focusing on prevention, swift intervention, and long-term support for recovery.