Minister Kwon Chil-seung's Surprise Transformation into Santa... Cheering Small Business Owners Who Performed Good Deeds

Minister Kwon Chil-seung of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups / Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] Kwon Chil-seung, Minister of SMEs and Startups, transformed into Santa Claus and made a surprise visit to small business owners. On the 24th, Minister Kwon visited small business stores near the Hongdae Festival Street in Mapo-gu, Seoul, which had performed good deeds despite the difficulties caused by COVID-19.

This visit was part of the '2021 K-Mas Live Market,' which has been ongoing since the 18th, and entertainer Onami also transformed into Santa Claus to participate.

On that day, the two visited 'Cheolin 7ho' Hongdae branch, which showed kindness to brothers in difficult circumstances. Cheolin 7ho is a small business store known for taking brothers who hesitated at the store entrance with only 5,000 won and providing them with food. The story became a hot topic as orders surged after the good deed was publicized.

CEO Park Jae-hwi said, "I am grateful to the public who have sent much encouragement and support despite the difficult situation," adding, "Today’s visit and consolation gave us great strength."

Minister Kwon also visited 'Coco Artree,' which provides free meals to children suffering from hunger, and 'Jinjja Pasta,' which offered all menu items free to firefighters, delivering gifts and messages of support.

Minister Kwon said, "Ahead of Christmas, we prepared this event to give small but warm gifts and encouragement to small business owners who are struggling due to COVID-19 and other difficulties."

He added, "Through the K-Mas Live Market, I ask for the public’s interest and support so that small business owners can quickly overcome the COVID-19 crisis and move toward new growth and leap forward."

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