"The Only Photo Showing Mother's Healthy Appearance... Please Return the Bag"

Story of an Office Worker Who Lost a Bag Containing Photos
"Truly Precious Photos That Cannot Be Retaken"
"If Photos Are Returned, No Report Will Be Filed... There Will Also Be a Reward"

"There is a photo capturing my mother’s healthy appearance during her cancer treatment. Please return the bag."

The story of an office worker who lost a photo of his mother’s healthy appearance from 10 years ago during her cancer treatment was shared on the 17th. The office worker, who lost the bag containing the photo, appealed, "It is a truly precious photo that cannot be retaken."

A, who lost a photo of his mother, left a message at the place where it was lost. [Photo by Online Community Capture]

A in his 40s, who works near Yonggang-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, recently posted on an online community that he lost a bag containing a photo of his mother in a restroom of a shopping area in the same district.

He said the photo shows his mother happily smiling with his father 10 years ago. A said, "It is a photo of my mother when she was at her healthiest and brightest," adding, "I laminated the photo and kept it in a transparent file in front so I could see it anytime."

He continued, "I can replace everything else, but the thought that I can no longer get this photo is painful," adding, "The photo of my mother holding my father’s hand and smiling healthily keeps flashing in my mind. I only see my parents’ photo."

A said he had a Buds2 Pro and about 50,000 won in cash inside a 10-year-old wallet in the backpack, but said, "I don’t need those," adding, "I really want to get back the precious photo, house keys, car keys, and my personal items related to the bank. I have reported to the police and identified the first person who found it, and before the formal report, I am posting this to give the finder a last chance."

He added, "I am truly grateful to the police officers who consulted and investigated the case from the victim’s perspective and to the shop owners nearby who cooperated with the investigation," adding, "If the bag is found, I will donate 1 million won. If caught after investigation without surrendering, there will be no settlement, and I will take all possible measures including criminal and civil damages for mental distress."

A commercial building in Yonggang-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, where Mr. A lost his bag.
[Photo by Online Community Capture]

Netizens who heard A’s story responded, "How many children laminate their parents’ photos and carry them around? It must be a very precious item, so I worry that the thief might have thrown it away thinking it useless," "I hope you find the precious photo of your parents," "Not touching others’ belongings is a ‘national rule’ in Korea," and so on.

Later, A said in a comment, "I am currently investigating with the local police station officers as the first step, and I plan to file a formal report at the police station on Monday (17th). Thank you for your interest."

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