Minister of Land Also Says "Looking for the Bus Driver"...Heartwarming Act as Driver Personally Washed Passenger After Accident and Provided New Clothes

A Driver's Kindness for a Passenger With Mobility Challenges Inspires Praise
Viral Story Moves Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to Step Forward

Yoonduk Kim, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, is searching for the bus driver who personally washed and cared for a mobility-impaired passenger who had an accident on an express bus. After this story became known online, netizens showered the bus driver with praise, and now the Minister has personally expressed her intention to present an official commendation, drawing even more attention. On the 19th, Minister Kim posted on her social networking service (SNS), “I am looking for the bus driver from the story.”

The scene of the express bus at the time, revealed by Mr A. Screenshot from thread @96.1009__

Minister Kim said she heard the story about a bus driver who readily offered help to a passenger in difficulty on a rainy express bus, saying, “I am deeply moved by the sincerity of the driver who willingly extended a helping hand to a neighbor even in a challenging situation.” She stressed that, although many vulnerable passengers use public transportation—such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and pregnant women—it is by no means easy to be the first to reach out to others in the rush of daily life. She went on to say, “On such a rainy day, I would like to find this driver who became an umbrella for a neighbor and give at least a ministerial commendation,” expressing her thanks to the driver. She also expressed gratitude to the passenger who shared the story with the world, as well as to those who helped on the spot, adding, “It is still a good and warm world to live in.”

Minister Kim recounted hearing the story of a bus driver who readily offered help to a passenger in difficulty on a rainy express bus, saying, "I am deeply moved by the driver's sincere willingness to lend a helping hand to a neighbor even in a challenging situation." Kim Yoonduk Facebook

The story mentioned by Minister Kim was first brought to light on August 16, when Mr. A, who is known to run a cafe in Yangsan, Gyeongnam, shared the incident on social media. It then attracted great attention online after it was covered by several media outlets on the 18th.

According to Mr. A, he was traveling to Seoul with his family, and after completing their itinerary, they boarded an express bus headed to Yangsan at 7:00 a.m. Among the passengers was a man estimated to be in his 50s or 60s, who had significant difficulty walking without a cane. During the journey, this passenger was unable to reach the restroom in time and ended up having an accident in his seat. While this could easily have led to complaints or discomfort among other passengers, the bus driver responded differently.

When the bus arrived at a rest stop, the driver took the passenger off the bus and personally helped wash him. Witnessing this, Mr. A decided to assist the driver, who seemed to be struggling alone, by purchasing a pair of pants from a convenience store at the rest stop for the passenger. Together, they helped the passenger get cleaned up and change into new clothes. The help did not end there. The driver also took it upon himself to clean the soiled bus seat and provided a cushion so the passenger could sit comfortably again. Mr. A then helped the passenger retrieve his cane and shielded him from the rain with an umbrella as he re-boarded the bus.

Mr. A reported that the driver “never once showed a hint of displeasure until the very end.” The driver even offered to reimburse Mr. A for the cost of the pants, but Mr. A declined. Once this story became known, a flood of online praise followed.

Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Yoonduk Kim is giving a business report at the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee's plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 19th. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

Netizens reacted by saying, “This is not something easy to do, even for a family member,” “Not only the driver but also the passengers who helped and those who waited are admirable,” “Such people deserve a commendation,” and “This is a heartwarming story after a long time.” Some described the story as “a tale that restores faith in humanity,” expressing gratitude to both the driver and the fellow passengers.

In particular, the fact that it is hardly considered a driver’s duty to wash a passenger and clean the seat—considering the tight schedule of express buses—brought even more attention to his actions. As this heartwarming account, which began online, has now reached the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the public is now watching with great interest to see whether the “nameless bus driver” will actually receive a commendation from the Minister.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.