Parent Who Advanced School Trip Fee for Basic Livelihood Student: "Proud Yet Bittersweet"

Deposit Made Under Students' Names Without Revealing Identity
"Hope They Don't Give Up Life Memories Because of Money"

A heartwarming story has become a hot topic after a parent of a middle school son paid the expenses on behalf of students receiving basic living subsidies who almost couldn't go on a school trip due to financial difficulties.

On the 14th, the author, Mr. A, posted a photo along with a post titled "School Trip" on the online community BobaeDream. He shared his experience, saying, "About a month ago, my middle school son showed me a notice about the school trip." After seeing the notice, Mr. A learned that some children might not be able to attend the trip and wondered, "Surely it's not because of the cost?" He then inquired at the school administration office.

Text messages exchanged between a parent and a middle school vice principal. Online community 'BobaeDream'

He expressed to the school, "If the reason some children cannot participate in the school trip is financial, I would like to quietly support them without revealing my identity." About a week before the trip, Mr. A received a call from the school. The school explained, "There are still some students who have not paid the fee. We encouraged them, but since the trip is only a week away, we are contacting you. Those students are recipients of basic living subsidies." Right after the call, Mr. A transferred the school trip fees under the names of those students and shared the messages exchanged with the school.

In the shared messages, the vice principal of the school said, "We ask that you deposit the exact amount. It is difficult to handle any surplus." Mr. A replied, "I just transferred the amount under the students' names as you instructed. Thank you always." The school then responded, "We just received a confirmation call from the administration office. Thank you very much."

Mr. A confessed, "I felt proud but also bittersweet. These days, South Korea seems to only show the well-off and a society that cherishes only their own children." He added, "I hope taxes are really used well." He also emphasized, "I hope no child has to skip meals or give up on an event like a school trip, which is one of the greatest memories in life, because of money."

Students on a school trip, tourists, and citizens are filling the streets holding umbrellas in Myeongdong, Seoul.

Netizens who read this story responded with comments such as, "I was shocked when I saw the school trip fees students have to pay these days. You did a great thing," "Where does such generosity come from?" "Awesome. Thanks to you, that student will make great memories with friends," "In an era where free school meals are a given, it’s right that no child should have to give up a school trip due to financial reasons," "Good deeds always come back," "This is touching and heartwarming," "This is true sponsorship," and "I will follow this good example. Thank you."