The KT internet outage in South Korea, which happened on October 25th, 2021, caused significant disruptions to various online services, particularly online payment apps. The outage, which lasted nearly an hour, affected both businesses and individual users nationwide, particularly during peak times such as lunch hour for restaurants. As many online payment apps rely on stable internet connectivity, the breakdown left many users unable to complete transactions, resulting in delays and frustration. Restaurants, e-commerce platforms, and financial services relying on online payments were especially impacted, with disruptions to card processing and mobile payment services. Many users reported that they were unable to use popular payment apps like Kakao Pay and Naver Pay, leading to a loss in business for small and large merchants alike. Moreover, industries such as stock trading and hospital services also experienced significant downtime. The consequences of such an outage underline the risks associated with relying heavily on digital payment infrastructures. While online payments are generally convenient, issues like technical breakdowns expose vulnerabilities, particularly when there's no backup plan in place for alternative payment methods during an outage.

The digital shift, especially toward cashless payments, presents significant challenges for the elderly, which can lead to social exclusion. Older adults often struggle with the use of online payment methods due to factors such as a lack of familiarity with digital technology, cognitive impairments, and physical limitations like poor eyesight or arthritis. This exclusion is exacerbated by the rapid transition to cashless systems in many countries, where traditional cash transactions are being phased out. For instance, in the UK, the increasing reliance on cashless payments has marginalized many older people who depend on cash, as they find it difficult to adapt to online banking and mobile payment apps. This digital divide places them at risk of isolation, exploitation, and financial hardship, as they may not be able to access essential services or complete transactions independently. It is also noted that while some elderly people are willing to embrace new technologies, many need support and gradual training to do so effectively. Efforts to bridge this gap, such as creating user-friendly digital interfaces, providing education, and ensuring continued access to cash, are crucial to prevent further marginalization of older adults in this increasingly digital society. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated effort across industries, governments, and communities to promote financial inclusion and offer alternative options for those who struggle with the transition to a fully digital economy.