Comedians Kang Jae-jun and Lee Eun-hyung meet viral scarf merchant

Comedians Kang Jae-jun and Lee Eun-hyung met the viral "Scarf Uncle" at Namdaemun Market on the 10th. The merchant, who gained online fame by selling six scarves for 10,000 won, drew crowds with a unique sales style of telling customers not to buy his goods.

Comedians Kang Jae-jun and Lee Eun-hyung revealed their unexpected fandom after meeting a new popular star at Namdaemun Market. The protagonist is the so-called "Scarf Uncle," a merchant who has heated up the online community with his bold wit and his sale of six scarves for just 10,000 won. Even Kang Jae-jun, who usually boasts a smooth-talking persona in front of the camera, drew attention by appearing nervous while requesting a photo.

On the 10th, a video titled "[Parenting Log] Met Scarf Rio while going to buy clothes for Hyeon-jo" was released on the YouTube channel Giyu TV. On this day, Kang Jae-jun and Lee Eun-hyung visited Namdaemun Market early in the morning to purchase clothes for their son, Hyeon-jo. However, the schedule did not end with ordinary shopping for parenting supplies. The two had another goal: to personally meet the Scarf Uncle, who has recently been a hot topic online.

Kang Jae-jun could not hide his high expectations prior to the visit to Namdaemun Market. "I have uploaded Namdaemun Market videos twice before, but this time is different because the Scarf Uncle is here," he said. His explanation that the very reason for visiting the market had changed allowed one to guess the extent of the Scarf Uncle's popularity.

The Scarf Uncle is a merchant running a scarf shop in Namdaemun Market. He gained fame for selling six scarves at the shocking price of 10,000 won and for his unique way of speaking, which seems to discourage customers from buying. His blunt remarks, such as "Don't spend money," "It doesn't suit you," and "Mom, you shouldn't get tired. Keep looking," are the opposite of the typical attitude of a sales merchant. These comments instead drew laughter from customers and spread rapidly online. His paradoxical sales method of telling people not to buy rather than actively encouraging them to buy more of his goods has become his distinct character.

Upon arriving at Namdaemun Market, the couple was surprised by the much larger crowd than expected. Lee Eun-hyung marveled at the bustling atmosphere, saying, "I've never seen so many people on the subway. I thought it was the morning commute." As they continued shopping, citizens who recognized the two repeatedly requested photos. In response, Kang Jae-jun joked, "If you come to Namdaemun when your self-esteem is low, you can leave with confidence." Lee Eun-hyung responded playfully, saying, "I've been told three times that I could be an actor, but I guess they meant playing volleyball."

The two finally arrived at the long-awaited Scarf Uncle's shop. Customers had already gathered in front of the store, and the man was leading the atmosphere with his characteristic bold speech. He shouted to customers, "Why are you buying this? Seriously, don't buy it," while also encouraging photography over purchasing by saying, "Take photos. Just don't touch the goods. Take lots of photos." The sight of a merchant selling goods telling customers not to buy them turned the scene into a sea of laughter.

Watching this, Lee Eun-hyung marveled, saying, "It's cool," while Kang Jae-jun burst into laughter repeatedly. In particular, Kang Jae-jun mustered his courage to request a photo just before the Scarf Uncle was about to leave. Even though he usually shows a bold side on broadcasts, he was cautious on this day. With a trembling voice, Kang Jae-jun asked, "Could we please take one photo as well?" The Scarf Uncle readily agreed and even made a V-sign with his fingers.

The scene where the celebrity couple Kang Jae-jun and Lee Eun-hyung acted like fans requesting a photo from a famous person was the highlight of the video. Having succeeded in the photo, Lee Eun-hyung could not hide her joy, saying, "How can we be this lucky? The uncle opened the shop only for a moment, but we met him, filmed a video, and even took a photo." Although it was a short meeting, it became a special experience for the two, no different from meeting a celebrity.

Kang Jae-jun continued to express admiration, seemingly realizing the popularity of the Scarf Uncle. He conveyed the heat of the scene, saying, "There are so many mothers, just like fans waiting in front of YG. There are many, just like Lim Young-woong fans." He added, "Because of the Scarf Uncle, the scarf business is booming. It's the golden age of scarves." An ordinary market merchant has established himself as a new attraction in the offline market, moving beyond an online star through his unique way of speaking and selling.

Kang Jae-jun and Lee Eun-hyung married in 2017 after 10 years of dating and welcomed their son, Hyeon-jo, in August 2024. The couple communicates with the public by revealing their parenting and daily lives through their YouTube channel. During this visit to Namdaemun Market, an ordinary outing to buy clothes for their son led to an unexpected encounter with a star, completing another pleasant moment of their daily parenting life.

Read the original (Korean)