[AK View] Even Throwing Away Trash Is Difficult These Days

Panic Buying of Pay-As-You-Throw Bags Fueled by Supply Fears
Purchase Limits and Forced Bundling Leave Vulnerable Groups Struggling
Chaos Driven by Self-Interest, Not Actual Shortages

On the 12th (local time), the two-day ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran, held in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, ended without any significant results. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a 'reverse maritime blockade,' while Iran warned of a strong response, heightening tensions.

As the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—a key shipping route through which about one-fifth of the world's maritime oil trade passes—continues, the global energy supply chain has reached a virtual standstill. The resulting impact is increasingly felt in our daily lives. One of the most tangible effects has been with pay-as-you-throw garbage bags. Although the government announced there are no supply issues, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

This recently became evident when I went to purchase pay-as-you-throw garbage bags after moving. At the first convenience store I visited, sales were limited to one bag per person. With the quantity insufficient, I ended up visiting four stores in total, and at one of them, I was told I could only buy a garbage bag if I purchased another item. When I questioned this, the response was, "The owner instructed us to sell the bags only to customers who buy something." This was a classic case of forced bundling. There seemed little point in complaining to the part-time clerk, so I bought a drink and, feeling a bit resigned, purchased the garbage bag. Still, I couldn't help but feel bitter on my way home.

A junior colleague recounted a similar incident at a supermarket. An elderly man, walking with two canes, came in to buy a garbage bag but was refused service unless he bought another item. In the end, the man had to leave empty-handed. Typically, when customers don't have a shopping bag at a supermarket, they buy a pay-as-you-throw garbage bag with handles to carry their purchases. However, there is no law stating that you can't buy a garbage bag unless you purchase something else.

Store owners might argue that selling pay-as-you-throw garbage bags is more a customer service than a profit-generating sale. They could also claim that they, too, are struggling with supply shortages. Additionally, they often justify such 'unscrupulous' sales practices by blaming panic buying among consumers, which persists despite the government's repeated assurances that there is no shortage of garbage bag stock.

Even President Lee Jaemyung raised concerns about this issue, pointing out that someone is stoking public anxiety. Accordingly, President Lee demanded strong measures against those spreading false information that fuels public unease. He warned, "We must identify those who first spread these groundless rumors," and added, "Such acts disrupt social order and hinder the nation's ability to overcome crises, making them serious crimes."

The selfishness of both consumers—who act on 'as long as it's not me'—and sellers—who prioritize sales above all else—is exacerbating the current situation. The core of this turmoil is not an absolute shortage but an overheated state created by psychological anxiety. Especially egregious is the opportunistic behavior of those trying to profit amid the confusion.

Looking back, profiteering during crises is nothing new; it also occurred during the urea solution shortage in 2021. At that time, some gas stations required customers to buy fuel in order to purchase urea solution, or sold it at several times the usual price. Consumers had no choice but to buy, sparking controversy. But after the crisis passed, did those gas stations truly gain more customers?

It is often said that "crisis is opportunity." But the premise is that active responses such as reform or innovation must come first in times of crisis. Unscrupulous behavior during a crisis is likely to make customers turn away from those stores. I doubt I would ever revisit the store that required the purchase of another item to buy a garbage bag. In particular, refusing to sell even a single bag to a senior citizen who went through so much trouble just to get there seems far too harsh. I would ask whether they would treat their own family members the same way.

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