"This Is for the Pencil Case I Stole as a Child"...A Letter of Conscience Arrives in the Donation Box

250,000 Won and a Handwritten Letter Placed in the Emart Cheongju Branch "Dream Box"

"Even Now, Nearly 20 Years Later, I Am Still Regretful and Reflecting"

A story has emerged about a citizen who, reflecting on a mistake made 20 years ago, donated cash and an apology letter to make up for the value of writing supplies stolen at that time.

According to Yonhap News on July 9, Cheongju City announced that on June 30, a handwritten letter and 250,000 won in cash were found in the "Dream Box" donation box installed at the Emart Cheongju branch. The envelope of the letter read, "To the Emart manager, I would be grateful if you could please read this."

The donor introduced himself as a customer who had visited the Emart Cheongju branch 20 years ago. In the letter, he wrote, "When I was a thoughtless child, out of curiosity and mischief, I took pencil cases and writing supplies from Emart without paying for them." He continued, "Even now, nearly 20 years later, I am still regretful and ashamed, and I am reflecting deeply on my actions." He added, "As a sign of reflection and apology, I am visiting now, albeit belatedly, to pay for the pencil case I did not pay for at the time. I will strive to live as an upright person from now on. I am truly sorry."

A handwritten letter found at Emart Cheongju branch. Cheongju City · Yonhap News

In response, a representative from the Emart Cheongju branch commented, "We are moved by the mature courage and conscience of one individual who did not forget his wrongdoing and tried to make it right even after so many years." Emart delivered the cash to Cheongju City on July 2, and the city plans to use it to support vulnerable groups.

The Dream Box is a donation collection box set up by the city at several large retail stores in the area. It was established to spread a culture of everyday giving and to promote social contribution activities. When citizens donate food or daily necessities, the items are distributed to neighbors in need through food banks and food markets.

Earlier this year, an anonymous donor who described himself as "an overseas Korean uncle of Chinese Korean descent who loves children" also attracted attention by donating gift certificates worth 3.5 million won to the Dream Box at Emart Cheongju branch. At the time, he expressed, "I sincerely hope this can help ensure a strong meal for precious children."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.