Two citizens awarded for saving lives

By Lee Min-hyung

Park Myung-jae and Shin Bong-chul

Park Myung-jae and Shin Bong-chul, two citizens based in the nation's southern city of Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, have been awarded for rescuing the lives of their neighbors trapped inside a burning building.

Early last month, Park witnessed an explosion near his home. He followed the smoke to the scene of the accident without hesitation. It was then that he realized that his neighbors were trapped there in a burning building.

He climbed on top of a car parked in front of the building, allowing people to stand on his shoulders and climb out of the building.

Shin, who passed by the fire scene, also joined hands with Park to rescue people there. They saved six people inside the building and another citizen who lost consciousness on the stairs after suffering severe burns.

Their act of righteousness did not stop there, even after firefighters arrived at the scene. Both of them continued to help firemen set up a ladder there, enabling them to carry out their rescue activities in a stable manner.

To honor their voluntary and praiseworthy acts, LG Welfare Foundation on Monday decided to present them the LG Righteous Person award.

“The decision is aimed at encouraging the acts of citizens who bravely took risks to rescue others even in a situation where they can be seriously injured,” an official from the foundation said.

LG established the prize in September 2015, as part of its bid to fulfill its corporate social responsibility by awarding those who sacrificed themselves for the country and social justice, according to the company.

LG also awarded Sung Ji-hoon, 42, along with the two citizens. Last month, Sung confronted an armed robber at a convenience store. The store owner was threatened with a knife, but Sung stood up to the attacker at the risk of his life, according to LG.