‘Samsung Chairman Lee gave me pocket money’: Barista’s viral post brews a buzz
A barista’s online post about giving a cup of coffee to Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, and receiving 50,000 won ($36) in return has gone viral, drawing hundreds of thousands of views in less than a day. The employee, who was working at an Ediya Coffee location inside Hanwha Resort during the summit, wrote on social media Saturday, “I’ve had many special experiences, but meeting Chairman Lee was the most memorable,” sharing photos of herself with Lee and the 50,000-won bill he handed her. She recalled spotting Lee as he passed by and offering him a cup of coffee. After accepting the drink and thanking her, Lee began to walk away but soon turned back, pulled a 50,000-won bill from his pocket, and gave it to her. “He was so cool, handsome and gentle,” she said. “I’ll frame the money and keep it as a family treasure.” The post quickly spread online, racking up over 340,000 views and 9,000 likes. When one user commented, “The Samsung CEO gave you money from his po
Nov 3, 2025By Hankookilbo