[Anchor] The news of the strong earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, is truly tragic, but criticism is pouring in over a post uploaded to social media by a local high school student.

[Reporter] Yes, while part of the large shopping mall AEON Mall collapsed due to this strong earthquake, a local high school student posted a photo of the store's interior on social media along with the caption, "Now is our chance to steal whatever we want."

The controversial post quickly spread amid widespread criticism that the student treated a disaster situation—where people were desperately confirming their safety and calling for rescue—as an opportunity for crime.


Japanese netizens harshly criticized the post, commenting, "This is inhuman," "It is a national disgrace," and "Is this really something to say in a disaster situation?"

The controversial AEON Mall is a major local shopping destination visited by more than 8 million people annually. At the time of the strong earthquake, about 200 customers and employees were urgently evacuated. Afterward, explosions and partial collapses occurred in the building, and rescue operations are still ongoing.

Criticism continued online in South Korea as well.

Some netizens reacted by saying it brings to mind the "devil's smile" of a woman who stole clothes and fled during the collapse of Sampoong Department Store in 1995.

(Photo Source: X and online communities)