"Heard Cries for 'Help' and Rushed Into the Sea... 'Hero' Rescues Father and Daughter from Drowning at Jeju Beach"

Jeonju Facilities Corporation Employee Lee Donggyu Saves Father and Daughter on Jeju Vacation
Rescues Pair on Surfboard After Hearing Cries for Help

The story of a Jeonju Facilities Corporation employee who rescued a father and daughter from near drowning while on vacation at a beach in Jeju has recently come to light and is drawing attention.

Mr. Donggyu Lee, employee of Jeonju Facilities Corporation. Provided by Facilities Corporation

According to Jeonju Facilities Corporation on September 23, their employee Dongkyu Lee (38) heard screams while taking a break at Hamdeok Beach in Jocheon-eup, Jeju, around 9:30 a.m. on September 15.

Lee saw a middle-aged man and a young woman struggling in the waves, which were about one meter high. He immediately asked people nearby to call emergency services (119), then grabbed his surfboard and rushed to the scene. He first lifted the man, who appeared to be in more critical condition, onto his surfboard, and then pulled the woman onto the board as well.

He reassured the father and daughter by telling them, "You are safe because we have the surfboard," and waited for emergency rescue to arrive. However, seeing that the man's condition did not seem to improve, Lee decided to transport both on his surfboard himself back to the beach.

Upon reaching the shore, Lee handed the father and daughter over to the rescue team. They were transported to the hospital for treatment, and it has been reported that both have since recovered their health. After a brief investigation into the incident, Lee left Jeju without saying much and returned to Jeonju.

Lee's good deed became known after the father posted a thank-you message on the "Commendations" section of the corporation's website. The father wrote, "My daughter and I were in a desperate situation from which it was nearly impossible to escape on our own," and added, "At that moment, Mr. Lee found us and ran over without any hesitation."

He continued, "It was a moment that could have led to a very serious accident," and shared, "I was so shocked and overwhelmed at the time that I couldn't even properly thank him."

He further wrote, "As time passed and I reflected on that day, I realized even more deeply how grateful I am for Mr. Dongkyu Lee's courage and actions in that moment," and "He has become someone my family will never forget." He added, As a fellow citizen, I wanted to make sure his courageous act was recognized, so I posted this message to express my gratitude."

Jeonju Facilities Corporation plans to present Lee with a commendation. In addition, the Jeju Coast Guard is also reportedly preparing to present him with a certificate of appreciation. Commenting on the incident, Lee said, "I was in a state of shock as well at the time," adding, "I'm just relieved that both of them are safe."

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