Packed emergency bags worth 4 million won over “War is coming” rumor... ‘Panic-buying frenzy’ sweeps social media

[Financial News] As rumors spread that European countries had told their citizens to prepare wartime supplies, a so-called “war-preparedness stockpiling” trend has emerged on social media, with people buying bottled water, emergency rations and other goods in bulk.

On the 2nd, a post titled “The latest on a thread about preparing for war out of nowhere” was posted on various online communities, including FMKorea, and is attracting attention.
The post’s author, identified as A, introduced photos of supplies stockpiled by social media users, saying, “Rumors that European countries had suddenly told their citizens to prepare wartime supplies started circulating, and stockpiling things they wouldn’t even use became a trend.”
Users shared lists of what they had bought, with comments such as, “I ordered 300,000 won worth of emergency food and am packing a backpack,” and “I bought 100 liters of water.”
One user revealed a list of supplies they had stockpiled, saying, “It cost 4 million won to prepare one emergency bag for each of the five family members.” The items they listed included a urine solidifier, raincoats, disposable underwear, matches, scissors, sleeping bags, canned food, stir-fried kimchi, masks, safety helmets and emergency radios.
Another netizen also posted a photo of a supermarket shopping cart filled with groceries including canned food, instant noodles and snacks, saying, “Prepare for war—everyone should stock up, just in case.”

The rumors appear to have originated from public advisories in the UK and Japan. On the 22nd of last month (local time), the UK government announced its “Be Ready” campaign and advised every household to keep enough supplies to last three days, including bottled water, non-perishable food, hand sanitizer, toiletries, a flashlight, an FM radio and cash. In Japan, Disaster Management Minister Goshi Hosono also urged people, ahead of the launch of the disaster management agency, to prepare at least three days’ worth of food and daily necessities, and preferably enough for a week.
However, neither country’s advice has much to do with preparing for war. The UK government explained that the campaign was intended “to prepare for events such as severe weather that could lead to disruptions in services such as electricity, water and internet.” Japan’s advice, too, was issued in the context of urging people to prepare for large-scale disasters.
Claims have spread online that other European countries, including the Netherlands and Ireland, are giving similar advice to their citizens. However, the guidance from those countries is not new, and its purpose is similar to that of the UK and Japan’s advisories.
Concerns persist that the war could escalate following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but there have been no increases to travel advisories for Europe or Japan this year.
[email protected] Kim Su-yeon Reporter