On July 16, 2026, Korean media Kyunghyang Shinmun reported that two staff members at a convenience store in Incheon International Airport, who diligently searched for a wireless earphone dropped by a Japanese tourist, received a Special Meritorious Service Commendation.

According to the article, the two individuals who received the commendation were a Korean staff member and a Japanese staff member working at a convenience store in Incheon Airport Terminal 1. In June, when they learned that a Japanese tourist had dropped a wireless earphone into a gap in a product shelf, they removed a partition at the bottom of the shelf, lay on the floor, and put their hands into the dusty gap to retrieve the earphone.

The tourist reportedly told them, 'If it's difficult, it's fine as it is,' but the two did not give up and responded to the situation. Later, when the tourist posted this experience on social media, it garnered a huge response within Japan, attracting many views and widespread empathy.

The Korean staff member who received the commendation commented, 'I only did what was natural with the hope that everyone who visits the airport would take home only good memories of Korea, and I am grateful to receive an award like this.' The Japanese staff member also reportedly said, 'Regardless of nationality, it is only natural for someone working at Incheon Airport to help customers in need.'

According to the article, Incheon International Airport Corporation, recognizing that the airport serves as the first impression of Korea for foreigners, indicated a policy to actively commend such heartwarming customer service.

Regarding this, Korean netizens commented with remarks such as: 'This is truly a heartwarming story,' 'Both of them are wonderful,' 'This is truly Korea's 'jeong' (affection/feeling),' 'It was also effective that there was a Japanese staff member,' and 'I hope such kindness spreads further.'

Additionally, comments such as: 'I wish there were more news like this every day,' 'Incheon Airport convenience stores are incredibly crowded, and there must be various problems, yet they handled it so politely – that's amazing!', 'To think there are young people who do such good deeds even when they are busy!', 'Thanks to people like this, a good image of Korea is created. I'm grateful,' and 'Not just Incheon Airport, but various companies should not only punish those who do wrong but also evaluate and recognize those who do good things like this' were also raised. (Translation/Editing by Higuchi)

仁川空港のCUでこんな事があったんやね。
韓国観光に来ていた日本人観光客がコンビニでイヤフォンを紛失
諦めかけていたら..
韓国人コンビニ店員の方が

『自分が探してみます』

と床に寝転がりながら、イヤフォンを探し、見つける
店員さんと日本人観光客の方の感謝のメッセージに泣けた pic.twitter.com/7jJOZVb5IX

— ハルビン (韓国で火起こし) (@nohharu0518) June 23, 2026