POSCO Future M will continue its sponsorship of Didim Seed Accounts, which support vulnerable youths in becoming self-reliant. The company said on Wednesday it will sponsor a total of 48 million won from April this year to March next year for 80 youths in areas where its major workplaces are located, including Pohang, Gwangyang, Sejong and Seoul. If POSCO Future M deposits 50,000 won per month for each participant, local governments will add 100,000 won, or twice that amount, bringing the total to 1.8 million won per person over a year.

Didim Seed Accounts are a programme the government has operated since 2007 to help youths facing financial hardship cover early costs when entering society. The National Center for the Rights of the Child, under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, is responsible for running it. Under its matching structure, when a company deposits a set monthly amount, local governments add up to twice the deposit, up to 100,000 won.

The savings can be used for self-reliance purposes such as education costs, job training and housing when a youth turns 18. After age 24, it can be used freely without restrictions on purpose. POSCO Future M has participated in the programme since 2021, and cumulative sponsorship will reach 336 million won by next March.

POSCO Future M received a commendation from the health and welfare minister last year for contributing to revitalising support for Didim Seed Accounts. The company also runs the 'Green Dream Environmental Camp', an environmental education programme for children, and the 'Green Dream Football Class' with a Gwangyang-based professional football club. It also carries out social contribution activities for local children and youths, including hygiene product support for vulnerable youths.