The man shared how he tried to steal again but was caught by a monk, whose forgiveness changed him. - Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
SEOUL: Workers at a temple in South Korea recently found an anonymous letter in a donation box that included 2 million won (US$1,500) alongside an apology for a theft committed 27 years ago.
The letter detailed how, in 1997 during the Asian financial crisis, a boy stole 30,000 won (US$23) from the Jajangam Hermitage at Tongdo Temple in Gyeongsang province.
He carried the money home in a fishing net, according to the Korea Times.
In the letter, the man recounted attempting to steal again days later but was caught by a monk.
Rather than involving the police or his parents, the monk simply placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder, closed his eyes, and shook his head silently.
He described this experience as a pivotal moment that transformed him.
“Since that day, I have never desired anything that was not mine. It was as if the monk cast a spell that guided me to be good,” the man wrote.
While he did not disclose his current profession, he mentioned that he has worked hard and lived a respectable life.
The man explained that he decided to apologise and express his gratitude as he is expecting a baby, wanting to be a father his child could be proud of.
In his letter, he mentioned donating 2 million won to the temple as a way to repay his debt and apologised for not returning sooner.
A staff member at the temple discovered the letter and donation on August 20, as reported by the Korea Times.
The kind-hearted monk, known as Venerable Hyeonmun, still resides at the temple and recalled the teenage boy from all those years ago.
Hyeonmun noted that it was a challenging time for many in the community, as the boy was among many locals who attempted to steal from the donation box.
He shared that he occasionally left the box open to allow those in need to take money without forcing it open.
The 1997 Asian financial crisis had a massive impact on South Korea’s economy, causing corporate bankruptcies and massive layoffs.
“It was such a difficult time, and everyone was struggling, so we didn’t try to catch the thieves. We just let them go,” the monk said.
He also sent his best wishes to the father-to-be: “I believe you will be a wonderful father. I wish you a future full of good things.” - South China Morning Post
