Taking Off the Old, Putting On the New

In a quiet residential area of Hwigyeong-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul,
lies a basement one-room unit in an aging multi-family house
—home to an elderly resident living alone.

The space was filled only with worn-out furnishings and the deep darkness
that settled in each night. The single old light flickered weakly,
and the wallpaper had long since yellowed with age.
For an elderly person living on government support,
even minor home repairs were out of reach—much less a full renovation.

Upon learning of the elderly resident’s situation through the local community
welfare center, WeLoveU quickly stepped in to improve his living conditions.

Speak Out of Your Heart

“I’ve never been able to properly clean this place since I moved in. I’m sorry my home is so messy.”

With a sheepish smile, he offered an apology to WeLoveU volunteers.
Years of poor living conditions had taken a toll—not only on the home,
but on his health and will to live. The volunteers hoped that this home improvement project would help restore both physical comfort and emotional well-being.

How the WeLoveU Worked

The volunteers remove the worn-out flooring, strip off the aged wallpaper, and clean the walls.

They conduct mold and water leakage prevention work.

They apply fresh wallpaper, and replace the flickering fluorescent light.

They install a new light switch and carefully inspect the entire electrical system.

Before & After

From top to bottom, inspecting the entire electrical system and repairing
even hard-to-reach areas, the team meticulously restored the home.
Thanks to their heartfelt dedication and attention to detail, the elderly
resident now has a safe, clean, and cozy space to call home.

“It Feels Like I’ve Moved Into a New House”

With a bright smile, he expressed sincere thanks to the volunteers:

“You put up new wallpaper, laid new flooring, and replaced the light—it’s like a brand-new house. I’m so happy. Thank you so much.”

WeLoveU Delivers Love

Before leaving, the volunteers shared messages filled with warmth and hope:

Sir, stay healthy and live a long, joyful life!

May you enjoy a vibrant life in your clean new home.

Only happiness awaits you from now on. May you live peacefully in your refreshed living space.

WeLoveU’s “Residential Environment Improvement Project” to take care of households, the smallest unit in community, is in line with the eleventh goal of the SDGs, “Sustainable Cities and Communities.” The WeLoveU will continue to care about our neighbors and share love with them so that no one is left behind.