A story about a man who helped an elderly couple struggling with a movie theater kiosk — and received an unexpected reward — has gone viral online.
The post, titled "I once helped an elderly couple at CGV," was shared June 1 on the online community Theqoo and quickly drew attention.
According to the author, identified only as A, the couple had stepped up to a kiosk to buy tickets but kept stepping aside to let others go ahead because they did not know how to use it. A noticed and walked over to help them.
A said the couple mentioned they visit the theater often but have sometimes made the trip only to leave empty-handed because staff are rarely on hand to assist anymore.
Ultimately, A went to a nearby bakery, obtained a piece of paper and wrote out step-by-step kiosk instructions for the couple. When they said they wanted to try it themselves, A canceled the tickets he had already purchased and let them complete the transaction on their own.
The couple repeatedly thanked him and, after A declined any reward, offered to at least add movie points to his account. They took down his phone number and have consistently accumulated points under his number every time they visit the theater since.
"I only watch about three movies a year, but I'm reaching VIP status this month," A wrote. "I can't believe it."
Readers flooded the post with comments. "The writer is not only kind but incredibly thoughtful," one user wrote. Others said the story "restores your faith in humanity" and that it was heartwarming to know the couple has been enjoying regular outings to the movies.
Meanwhile, older Koreans are using kiosks more as digital devices become part of everyday life, but many still struggle with them. In response, the government has been expanding the rollout of "barrier-free kiosks" designed to improve accessibility for people with disabilities and the elderly. The machines feature voice guidance, Braille support, screen magnification and a help-call function, allowing people who have difficulty with digital devices to order or buy tickets more easily.
betterj@heraldcorp.com
