"Our Brother Who Worked Hard and Fell Asleep"... 'Kkaebi Market Bereaved Family's Post' Spreads on SNS

Merchant Dies in Kkaebi Market Vehicle Accident Last Year-End
"Left After Working All Day," Post Presumed from Younger Sibling

At the end of last year, a 40s merchant died after being hit by a vehicle driven by a man in his 70s suffering from dementia at Kkaebi Market in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Amid this, a post by a netizen claiming to be a bereaved family member has become a topic of discussion. On the 6th, a post written by Mr. A, who identified himself as the victim’s younger brother, on accident-related posts in multiple online communities has been spreading.

At around 4:18 PM on the 31st of last month, a sedan driven by a man in his 70s crashed into multiple people at Kkaebi Market in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, resulting in numerous injuries. Yonhap News

Mr. A stated, "My older brother worked hard for 10 years at a fruit shop in Kkaebi Market. He worked all day long and suddenly left us. It feels empty and unfair," adding, "My brother lived diligently." He continued, "Seeing the room where my brother’s traces remain, I miss him so much," and said, "After the death was declared, I saw his injured face for the last time, and it was really heartbreaking. He was badly hurt."

A netizen who claimed to be a resident near the accident site said, "I have bought fruit from the shop before, so his face is familiar. It hurts my heart. I even called him uncle. I believe many people share this feeling of condolence," and added, "On the day of the accident, I vividly remember him doing business with a bright expression, but it feels so futile. After the New Year, when I passed by the fruit shop, I felt the emptiness left by uncle, and my heart was unsettled."

At around 3:52 p.m. on the 31st of last month, the driver of the accident vehicle, Mr. B (74), drove a black Equus vehicle and rushed into Kkaebi Market in Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, hitting pedestrians and shops. As a result of this accident, Mr. A, who was a fruit shop merchant, died and 12 others were injured. According to the police, Mr. B was diagnosed with dementia in November 2023, took medication for three months, but has not received treatment since February of last year. The police have booked Mr. B on charges of violating the Special Act on Traffic Accident Handling (causing death) and are investigating the exact circumstances of the accident.