'Pay It Forward' Movement Takes Root at Seoul Protest Sites | Be Korea-savvy

‘Pay It Forward’ Movement Takes Root at Seoul Protest Sites


Cafes near South Korea's National Assembly have become centers of an impromptu "pay it forward" initiative, where supporters nationwide and abroad are purchasing refreshments in advance for protesters calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)

Cafes near South Korea’s National Assembly have become centers of an impromptu “pay it forward” initiative, where supporters nationwide and abroad are purchasing refreshments in advance for protesters calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)

SEOUL, Dec. 11 (Korea Bizwire) – Cafes near South Korea’s National Assembly have become centers of an impromptu “pay it forward” initiative, where supporters nationwide and abroad are purchasing refreshments in advance for protesters calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. 

“A young voice called asking about our cheapest rice cakes, saying they wanted to pay for just 10 pieces for future protesters,” recalled Jang Bo-ra, a worker in her 40s at Keipat cafe near the National Assembly in Yeouido. “That student sent 39,000 won, while others paid amounts ranging from 500,000 to over 1 million won.” 

The system allows supporters to deposit money into store accounts for future protesters to use. After making payment, supporters share the cafe’s information on social media, enabling protesters to claim free drinks or snacks during demonstrations.

Jang estimates that 40 to 50 people participated in the pay-it-forward initiative before the major protest on December 7.

“Most contributions came from people living overseas or in other regions,” she said. “When one person shared about paying it forward, it created a chain reaction among their friends. There were many moments when the owner and I became emotional just answering the phones.” 

During the interview, a regular customer in his 60s revealed he and his friends had contributed 600,000 won before joining the candlelight protest. “Didn’t citizens share rice balls during the Gwangju Democracy Movement?” he recalled with a smile. 

Even after the paid-forward items were depleted, Keipat continued giving out free refreshments. “Many young protesters were coming in. The owner put up a sign offering free rice cakes and heat packs,” Jang explained.

Cafes near South Korea's National Assembly have become centers of an impromptu "pay it forward" initiative, where supporters nationwide and abroad are purchasing refreshments in advance for protesters calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)

Cafes near South Korea’s National Assembly have become centers of an impromptu “pay it forward” initiative, where supporters nationwide and abroad are purchasing refreshments in advance for protesters calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)

 

A sign reading “One per person” stood next to piles of heat packs, rice cakes, fruits, and snacks. The cafe ultimately gave away an estimated 1.5-2 million won worth of rice cakes, essentially operating at a loss despite the surge in donations.

“Young protesters started bringing heat packs and snacks from home as a thank you to the owner,” Jang said. “Some young people, seeing other youth working in the store, insisted on paying for their items instead of taking the free ones.” 

At Gomango cafe, owner Seo Eun-jin, in her 50s, received contributions from about 15 people over the weekend. “Most ordered over 100 drinks, with one person paying for 1,500 drinks,” she said. “One memorable request asked us to ‘share warmth with those shivering in the cold at the protest.’” 

Seo later noticed many orders came under K-pop idol names. “It shows how this issue has deeply resonated with young people,” she reflected. “I’ve learned so much seeing young citizens choosing to fight in the cold, dedicating their time and effort. The world has really changed.”

Some supporters who couldn’t attend the protests themselves made special requests. “People asked us to serve the paid-forward coffee to elderly protesters who might not know about social media, and offered to replenish whatever was used,” Cho said. 

While the movement has brought unexpected business, cafe owners express mixed feelings about the circumstances. As Seo put it, “It pains me to see sales increase this way. I’d rather see higher sales from good performances or festivals.” 

Jang echoed these sentiments, saying she hopes to continue supporting this week’s protests while adding, “I wish politicians would look at these young people and bring this situation to a swift end.”

M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)  

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