Youngest Junk Dealer Byeon Yumi: "Trash to Others, Treasure to Us"

On the 24th, KBS 1TV's educational program 'Human Theater' featured Byeon Yumi, the youngest female scrap dealer in the neighborhood, explaining how to distinguish metals. Photo by KBS 1TV 'Human Theater' broadcast capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Min Jun-young] 'Human Theater' participant Byeon Yu-mi revealed the story of how she started the scrap business in her 30s.

On the morning of the 24th, KBS 1TV's educational program 'Human Theater' featured Byeon Yu-mi, who became the youngest female scrap dealer in her neighborhood at the age of thirty-five.

In the broadcast, Byeon Yu-mi said, "It's only been about four months since I started collecting scrap, so there are still many things I'm not good at."

She shared the story behind starting the scrap business: "When I was twenty, I accidentally made a lot of money as a Dongdaemun clothing wholesaler, but due to a bad investment, I incurred a debt of 200 million won. Afterwards, I tried to open a Pilates center as an instructor, but the industry preferred younger instructors, so it was difficult. Then, by chance, I came across the scrap business."

She said, "When I first heard about the scrap business, I felt like 'this is it.' It's not about competing with others; it seems like a truly pure job. You can work sincerely, earn money according to your effort, and as long as you have responsibility, you can succeed."

She added, "What others see as trash, we see as treasure. When I first started, I thought anything shiny was scrap metal. I didn't know how to distinguish metals at all. I learned that there are better things within it."

Byeon Yu-mi's aunt, who watched this, said, "Isn't it hard for a woman? You have to carry heavy scrap metal, drive a one-ton truck, and always wear work clothes. Even if it rains or snows, if there is work, you have to go. It's an extreme job. I wanted my niece to live wearing pretty clothes, but since she said she would do a job that is not easy even for men, which aunt wouldn't oppose it? At first, I felt a little uneasy. But now I support her, saying 'You get what you work hard for,' and 'You can do well.'"

In response, Byeon Yu-mi said, "My uncle started with 150,000 won and opened a scrap yard. I also started with nothing."