“You guys are overspending right now—don’t act up” ... ‘Namdaemun Scarf Man’ suddenly announces a temporary closure

[Financial News]  The so-called ‘Namdaemun Scarf Man,’ who gained popularity on social media (SNS) for his witty banter, temporarily closed his shop for safety reasons after crowds of customers flocked there.

A, a vendor who sells scarves and other items at Namdaemun Market in Seoul’s Jung District, posted a photo on Instagram on the 31st of last month of a notice reading ‘Business closed. Closed through Sunday,’ along with the message, “I’ll take some time to regroup for safety and get myself back in shape. The shop will be closed tomorrow.”
A became known as the ‘Namdaemun Scarf Man’ after videos of him selling six scarves for 10,000 won at Namdaemun Market and joking with customers—“You guys are overspending right now. You won’t use them once you get home”—spread on social media.
After customer numbers suddenly surged, A had posted a message on Instagram on the 28th of last month titled ‘A Message to Our Customers,’ asking people to refrain from visiting.

He said, “I started this business to make a living, but the fun of joking back and forth and laughing with customers at the shop has given me a lot of strength, and I’ve enjoyed my work. I can only feel grateful, deep down, thinking that perhaps people have looked kindly on that side of me.”
He continued, “But recently, so many people have been coming all at once that it’s become difficult to properly greet and talk with them, and I’ve ended up inconveniencing nearby merchants, too, without meaning to.” He added, “I’m not going anywhere; I’ll always be right here at Namdaemun Market. So rather than rushing to make a special trip, I’d appreciate it if you stopped by in a relaxed frame of mind whenever you come to browse the market.” He then added his characteristic banter: “Once you get here, don’t act up—just listen to me! If you don’t listen, I’ll kick you all out.”
In response to the news of the closure, online users commented, “Safety and health come first. What a great, sensible decision,” “Hope the day comes when you can build a building with your scarf sales,” “Usually, in a situation like this, someone would do more to make money, but the owner seems to value people more than money, so I sincerely support him,” and “I can’t even imagine how drained and exhausted you must be. Get plenty of rest and come back,” among other reactions.
[email protected] Kim Su-yeon Reporter