Department of Music Therapy Publishes 10th Anniversary Archive and Holds Commemorative Event for “Maum Talk Talk” Arts T N
- 작성처
- Date2026.11.06
- 154
A Public-Industry-Academia Partnership between GS Caltex and Prosecutors’ Offices Supports Adolescents’ Emotional Growth and Reintegration into Society
The Department of Music Therapy at Ewha Womans University held a commemorative event on October 23 (Friday) at the University's Main Auditorium to mark the 10th anniversary of the “Maum Talk Talk Arts Therapy Program,” an emotional support initiative for at-risk adolescents carried out in partnership with GS Caltex.
The “Maum Talk Talk Arts Therapy Program” (Program Director: Professor Hyun Ju Chong) was launched in 2013 through a collaboration between the University's Department of Music Therapy and the Seoul Western District Public Prosecution Office (formerly the Seoul Western District Prosecutors' Office). The initiative was established to help guide at-risk adolescents involved in criminal offenses, prevent recidivism, and support their healthy reintegration into society. In 2016, GS Caltex and the Suncheon Branch of the Gwangju District Public Prosecution Office (formerly the Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office) joined the initiative, establishing a public-industry-academia partnership model and expanding the program's reach to eastern Jeollanam-do, including Yeosu, Suncheon, and Goheung.
Approximately 1,400 adolescents have participated in the program, including those granted suspended indictments on condition of compliance with certain requirements, placed on probation, or released from juvenile detention centers. An analysis of the program's outcomes showed that it contributed to the participants' emotional growth and a reduction in recidivism rates. The program was also recognized as an exemplary case by the International Council for Caring Communities (ICCC), an organization holding Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), acknowledging the achievements and value of its youth arts therapy model based on public-industry-academia collaboration.
Ewha President Hyang-Sook Lee and Choi Woojin, Head of the Community Relations Team, SHE Division, GS Caltex
At the event, President Hyang-Sook Lee emphasized the significance of the initiative, which has fostered collaboration with local communities by drawing on the University's expertise and commitment to social responsibility. National Assembly Member Kim Jongmin delivered congratulatory remarks via video, expressing his support for the public value and therapeutic potential of the arts and wishing the program continued success. Kim Hyangyeon, Chief Prosecutor of the Seoul Western District Public Prosecution Office, highlighted the potential for change and growth among at-risk adolescents in his words of encouragement. A GS Caltex representative also reflected on the significance of the initiative over the past decade in terms of corporate social responsibility and the company's commitment to ESG management.
The event also marked the publication of a 10th anniversary archive documenting the program's planning and operation, the experiences of participating adolescents, and the history of collaboration among government agencies, businesses, and the University. In addition, participants took the opportunity to share the program's achievements over the past decade, express their gratitude to partner organizations and music therapy professionals for their dedication, and explore directions for its future development.
Building on the achievements and expertise accumulated over the past decade, Ewha Womans University's Department of Music Therapy plans to further expand its arts therapy programs for at-risk adolescents and its community partnership network, while continuing to support young people in growing into healthy members of society.