South Korean man returns money stolen from temple as a boy with apology letter decades later

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.