Nate Yi was at a World Cup watch party for the Mexico vs. South Korea game in Koreatown when he spotted an elderly man holding both teams’ flags.
In a video posted to social media, Yi captured the sweet moment of community. “Does anyone know this sweet, cute, gentle soul?” the text on the video read.
Yi approached the man and asked if he wanted to join them and watch the game together.
“We’re all family here!” Yi said to him as he encouraged the man to find a seat.
This sweet soul reminded me of what it cost for Korea to be what it is today… and the wild fun young crowd was also a reminder of how far Korea has come! But yeah does anyone know this sweet soul? He was so gentle and I feel like we would get along 🙆🏻♂️ #worldcup #korea #ktown
What started as a simple act of community then turned into a friendship.
Yi continued to post updates on social media, prompting an outpour of support from the community for the 70-year-old man, identified as Peter.
Peter’s trade is sharpening knives and scissors, and aside from helping him find new customers, Yi also started a GoFundMe for Peter that has already raised more than $18,000.
“The hardest part is actually going to have him focus on himself. He is extremely selfless and extremely thoughtful of others,” Yi said.
Yi said that Peter is very grateful and encourages others to applaud when they have a good day.
“So he says, if it’s a good day, we need to applaud. And so whoever is there, we’re all clapping. And he is really about giving good energy to others,” Yi said.
Yi continues to post videos to social media, sharing moments about his friendship with Peter.
Peter casually dropped some bold statements when sharing about why he had both 🇰🇷🇲🇽 at the World Cup game last week in KTown He’s got some deep love for the Mexican community and culture! He’s a real one for sure 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼