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The store is run unmanned on the honor system.
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After installing security camera, owner has change of heart
The owner of an general store in Sinchon Township, Bukha-myeon, Jangseong-gun, South Jeolla Province that became nationally famous for being unmanned and operating on the honor system until having to install a closed-circuit TV camera after several thefts announced Monday that he will remove the camera. "I still think most people in this world are good," said the owner, Park Chung-ryeol, age 47, who is also the town mayor. "I've decided to remove the security camera to make things true to the meaning of an unmanned store." The store had been referred to as a "store of conscience," in line with the Korean practice of using the word "conscience" or "conscientious" for things that operate on the honor system, such as "bicycles of conscience," a program in a number of locales around the country where specially-colored bicycles are made available for use by the general public free of charge at unmanned lending sites. The store did not always have a video camera. When the store was robbed, however, Park installed one and his decision instantly became a national story. In response to what was portrayed as evidence of the country's social ills, people from across Korea sent Park letters of encouragement and even called him on the telephone offering their support for his belief in "good people."On Sunday, Park decided to remove the camera after "consultations with the village elders." A sign saying "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the premises are being recorded on video until further notice" has been removed, as well. Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]
