Sindang 5-dong 'Kidari Ajeossi' Elder Jeong Subok's COVID-19 Good Deed

On the 20th, 1,000 summer cotton masks were donated at Sindang 5-dong Community Center for vulnerable groups... Purchased rice with full government disaster relief funds to share with neighbors in need... Reduced rent by up to 200,000 KRW per store for 5 months on 11 personally owned stores

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] On the 20th, the afternoon at Sindang 5-dong Community Service Center in Jung-gu (District Mayor Seo Yang-ho) was busy. They had to sort and distribute a list to deliver 1,000 donated cotton masks to vulnerable groups and the elderly. However, the staff wore smiles without any sign of displeasure. It was thanks to that gentleman’s visit.

There is a tall gentleman at the Sindang 5-dong Community Service Center. Although not tall in stature, Jeong Subok (81), an advisor to the Residents’ Autonomy Committee, has a heart bigger than anyone else.

He donated 1,000 summer cotton masks to the community center, wanting to help elderly people who were reluctant to wear masks due to the heat. A few days ago, he also visited the community center with a disaster relief fund card containing 600,000 won, expressing his wish to buy rice and share it with neighbors in Sindang 5-dong who are struggling due to COVID-19. Thanks to him, even though the workload increased, the welfare staff say they do not feel burdened.

His good deeds do not end there. To support small business owners facing difficulties due to COVID-19, he decided to reduce the rent by up to 200,000 won per store for 11 stores located in two buildings he owns, from April to August, a period of five months. He also expressed willingness to extend the rent reduction period depending on the economic recovery situation. He said that they cannot ignore the difficult and challenging situation everyone is facing.

Advisor Jeong Subok is a 'Jung-gu native' who has lived in Jung-gu for over 60 years. His love for the community is exceptional. Since starting activities with the Residents’ Autonomy Committee in 2000, he has participated in various autonomous activities for 20 years, including the Community Social Security Council, leading efforts to create a better village and gaining great popularity among residents and staff.

He is actively involved not only in discovering vulnerable groups in blind spots but also in solving welfare issues within the community. His good deeds, including annual participation in warm winter fundraisers, scholarship support for low-income students, and providing holiday support items during Lunar New Year and Chuseok, are too many to count on fingers. Yet, he shyly declines when asked to take a commemorative photo.

He said with a modest smile, "I hope to be of even a little help to those struggling due to COVID-19. I wish for COVID-19 to end soon so that all residents can regain their vibrant daily lives. I will continue to share my small but warm heart."

District Mayor Seo Yang-ho said, "He is like a tall gentleman to Jung-gu and its residents. Whenever there is difficulty or help is needed, he steps forward without hesitation. Yet, he never seeks praise. Despite the hardships caused by COVID-19, I am proud that Advisor Jeong Subok, who supports neighbors in need through kind rent reductions and cotton mask donations, is a citizen of Jung-gu."

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