Mr. Oh, aka Killer Smile, became homeless after his family business failed, and he struggled to find work. For the past four years, he has been selling The Big Issue Korea in Seoul, South Korea’s capital. While the nation has rapidly become an economic powerhouse, it remains beset by homelessness and unemployment.
The Big Issue Korea provides housing and employment support and arranges cultural activities for its vendors. Patrick Witton, The Big Issue Australia’s contributing editor, recently met Mr. Oh and found out how selling the magazine helped him find a home and reconnect with his family.
“Today I’ve already sold seven editions, which is really good. On average I sell 30, starting around 5 p.m. when people finish work, selling at Exit 8 of Seoul’s Express Bus Terminal. Some people already know about The Big Issue and buy it frequently. They ask how selling is going and sometimes also offer me a snack — when that happens, it’s really nice.
I am originally from Incheon [west of Seoul]. I left school in 1986 when I was a middle-school student. After I dropped out I was very stressed, and it was very hard for me to go out and socialize, so I stayed at home for a long time. My father said, ‘Why don’t you just go out?’ So I worked for a factory, but then it went bankrupt. I later got my driver’s license. My father ran a business going to rural areas to buy chilies to sell in the city and because I could drive, I helped him. Then my father became ill and soon the business failed.
One thing led to another, and I became homeless. One day I was wandering around the street trying to get a meal. There’s a place that provides food, and someone was there giving out leaflets about The Big Issue and how it can help get you back on track. This really interested me, so I called the office. It has been four years since I started selling.
There’s a government-sponsored program where if you work for The Big Issue for more than six months and save more than $450, then you are qualified to apply for rental support. I submitted an application to the district office, which was accepted. I am now able to rent an apartment in the western part of Seoul. From there, I commute to The Big Issue office, buy magazines for the day and then come to the terminal where I sell.
Having stable shelter has changed my life. I have my own things in my house, can buy things I need and when I go to sleep I can think about the future. In the past I didn’t, because I had no hope. It has made a big difference.
I live alone, but had a chance to be on TV because of The Big Issue, and my brothers noticed me and found me. I had become disconnected from my family for a long time. I met my brothers and my mother — it was fantastic.
I’m a great fan of baseball, so if I have free time I go to the stadium. My team is Nexen Heroes, the local team. And I take ballet lessons on Sundays with other vendors.
Regarding the future, the Seoul city government has provided space in a metro train area for The Big Issue to transform into a coffee shop. The plan is for vendors to train as baristas and work in the cafe. I hope to learn about coffee and work there once it’s up and running. They are working on it now.”
Translated by Claire Kang / street-papers.org / The Big Issue Australia
Patrick Witton is The Big Issue’s contributing editor. He travelled to South Korea with the Walkley Foundation Australia-Korea Journalism Exchange, with support from Australia-Korea Foundation and Korea Press Foundation.