I previously wrote about Homeplus here. This retail giant, once ranked second in the nation, ultimately couldn't withstand the winds of change and filed for bankruptcy. When they couldn't pay their suppliers, the suppliers stopped delivering goods, leading to empty shelves. These empty shelves were then filled with the company's private label products, making the merchandise on display sparse and monotonous. The more empty spaces there were, the fewer customers came, creating a vicious cycle...

Eventually, even the discount zone where I used to find my beloved near-expiry items was gone, replaced by some strange products.

That day, feeling a bit down, I called the Homeplus branch in Seosuwon. Fortunately, the customer service representative was still there and answered. I brought up the discount zone. I told them, "This isn't just a section I visit because I'm poor anymore. Of course, I am poor, but more importantly, it's a precious place filled with memories and emotions. Please, bring it back."

A few days later, I received a call. It was them! The discount zone had been restored.

With a happy heart, I went and bought some underwear, then headed straight for the discount zone.

Perhaps because it had just been revived today, there weren't many items. Still, I looked carefully. A mid-to-high-end cup ramen was 890 won. I bought four. An Ottogi cup rice was 2480 won (50% off). Hmm.

Normally, it would be 5000 won, and the maximum discount in the discount zone is 70%. The sale hasn't reached its peak yet. At 70% off, it would be 1500 won. I'll buy it then. Can I hold out until then??? Seeing the full stock inside the shelves, I felt I could wait, so I decided to postpone the cup rice purchase.

On my way home, my steps felt lighter. It wasn't just because I bought cheap cup ramen. It felt like the memories were telling me, "It's too soon to bury us in the past!"