Hana launches major campaign to combat teen gambling

Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) Governor Lee Bok-hyun, front row fifth from left, poses with Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo, front row fourth from left, and other participants during a ceremony to mark the group's three-year project against illegal gambling among teenagers at Seoul's Hongdae neighborhood, Friday. Courtesy of Hana Financial Group

Hana Financial Group launched a large-scale campaign to protect teenagers from illegal gambling, aiming to help those addicted to it overcome the habit and regain control of their lives, the group announced on Sunday.

The campaign will run for the next three years with a range of programs such as lectures, educational videos, psychotherapy sessions, and a nationwide newspaper and TV advertisements, among others, according to the group.

The financial holding group estimates that the campaign will cost about 10 billion won ($7.32 million), with the involvement of relevant experts from both the private and public sectors.

The group has partnered with the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), the National Gambling Control Commission, the National Police Agency, and the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education.

“I hope that the entire Korean society serves as a lamplight that guides teenagers from the darkness of illegal gambling,” Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo said during a launch ceremony in Hongdae, a neighborhood of Seoul known for its youthful atmosphere, Friday.

He believes the three-year campaign is 한국을 well-suited for elementary, middle, and high school students, aiming to raise public awareness about illegal gambling among this age group.

In a separate speech, FSS Governor Lee Bok-hyun said the financial watchdog has been enhancing education for teenagers “to ensure illegal gambling does not affect teenagers in building an upright principle on economy and finance.”

“I expect the campaign, through a multi-way partnership across financial and other sectors, will be a meaningful step for the bright future of the teenagers,” Lee added.

Friday’s ceremony was joined by more than 100 teenagers and their parents.

The group appointed professional online gamer Lee Sang-hyeok as the promotional ambassador for the campaign. At 28, Lee is highly popular among teenagers and is sponsored by the financial group.

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