In the bustling city of Toronto, a remarkable individual is brightening the daily commutes of many with a simple yet powerful message: kindness. Minjae Cho, equipped with his Meta glasses, is on a mission to transform public transportation into a more welcoming space by wishing everyone he encounters a great week and reminding them that they make the world a better place.
Once just another face among the thousands of Torontonians who relied on buses and subways while feeling a sense of loneliness, Minjae has now become a unique presence, garnering recognition from the mayor, the head of the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), and amassing an impressive 36,000 followers on Instagram. His approach is refreshingly straightforward: he embraces courage in kindness, spreads positivity, and aims to uplift the spirits of his fellow commuters, one bus ride at a time.
Reflecting on his journey, Minjae shared, “It started at a time when I was in a lonely, disconnected part of my life where I wasn’t seeing that many people. I wanted to push myself to show up more openly in everyday life with social interactions and to rebuild my social confidence.” He emphasizes that his intentions are purely positive, stating, “What I’m doing is harmless… I’m just saying, ‘Have a nice day.’ I’m not pranking people. Most people see my effort and courage and respond positively.”
Minjae captures these heartfelt interactions through his Meta glasses, which feel less intrusive than traditional phone cameras. His efforts often culminate in smiles, laughter, hugs, and even emotional moments. Many individuals have expressed that his outreach has provided comfort during difficult times, helping them navigate through challenges and reconsider life-altering decisions.
The TTC drivers have recognized Minjae and appreciate his presence on their routes. TTC CEO Mandeep Lali remarked, “Everyone could use a little more joy in their life, including on their commute, and these posts certainly convey that sentiment.”
His Instagram account, under the handle Magnetic MJ, features introspective videos that reveal the subtle yet profound transformations that can occur when someone takes the time to connect. You can sense the initial hesitation from commuters who are engrossed in their phones, but the relief is palpable when they finally look up, shake his hand, and share a smile. It’s a reminder that small gestures can create a ripple effect of positivity.
Mayor Olivia Chow praised Minjae’s efforts, noting that he embodies the spirit of community. She suggested that if everyone made an effort to connect with just one person during a bus ride each week, Toronto would feel much more like a close-knit neighborhood.
Join Minjae in his mission to spread joy and connection in the city. Together, we can make our daily journeys a little brighter!
