President Lee Wishes Injured Firefighter Speedy Recovery: "Would It Be Too Much to Give Them a Fortune?"

President Lee Attends National Sports Festival Opening Ceremony
"Compete Fiercely and Come Together with Enthusiasm"

President Lee Jae-myung wished a speedy recovery to the firefighter injured while putting out a fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 16, saying, "When you consider how they devote themselves, risking their lives to protect the lives and safety of our people, would it really be too much for us to give them a fortune?"

President Lee made the remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the 107th National Sports Festival at Jeju World Cup Stadium on Oct. 16. He said, "Sadly, at this very moment, a firefighter is hospitalized in cardiac arrest after fighting a fire. Several other firefighters have also been injured." He added, "It is inevitable that some people make sacrifices to ensure our national community remains peaceful and safe, but it is also an unfortunate reality that our recognition and compensation for them are not sufficient."

President Lee Jaemyung delivers commemorative remarks at the opening ceremony of the 107th National Sports Festival at Jeju World Cup Stadium on the 16th. 2026.10.16 Yonhap News Agency.

Earlier that morning, a major fire broke out at a four-story metal injection molding and printing factory in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, injuring seven people, including five firefighters. Two firefighters, estimated to be in their 30s or 40s, were classified as seriously injured, and one of them was taken to the hospital in cardiac arrest. President Lee said, "Would you all here with us join me in giving an encouraging round of applause to wish a swift recovery to the firefighter who is fighting for his life and to the other injured firefighters, as well as to our service members who were injured defending our country not long ago?" Those in attendance applauded.

After congratulating those gathered on the National Sports Festival, which is being held that day, President Lee pledged, "The government will provide strong support so that everyone can enjoy sports in their daily lives, athletes can pursue their dreams in better conditions, and sports professionals can work with pride." He added, "We will also spare no effort to provide the support needed to bring new vitality to local communities through sports and help Korean sports move forward with even greater strength on the world stage."

President Lee said, "Sports make our lives healthier and richer, and have the special appeal of bringing together people who sometimes hold different views." He noted, "At the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, which recently concluded, our athletes showed a fighting spirit, refusing to give up until the very last moment."

He continued, "The athletes' determination to give their all to overcome their limits and take on challenges alongside their teammates inspired and encouraged everyone watching," adding, "That powerful emotion now continues here in Jeju."

President Lee Jaemyung and First Lady Kim Hyekyung cheer on the athletes as they enter the stadium during the opening ceremony of the 107th National Sports Festival at Jeju World Cup Stadium on Oct. 16, 2026. Yonhap News Agency

President Lee also explained, "For more than 100 years, the National Sports Festival has grown alongside Korean sports and has been the country's largest multisport event." He described it as "a stage for harmony and solidarity, where athletes from different generations and regions come together to compete fairly and build friendships, bringing the nation together through sports."

President Lee said, "The many challenges that began at the National Sports Festival have become a driving force behind the growth of Korean sports and a solid foundation for our athletes to advance to bigger stages." He added, "I hope that at this year's festival, everyone will experience the appeal of sports together as athletes compete fiercely and come together with enthusiasm."

He said, "I hope you will respect and encourage one another, regardless of victory or defeat, and give your all as you showcase the skills you have worked hard to develop." He added, "I hope the 107th National Sports Festival will be a celebration of inspiration and unity that athletes and the public alike will remember for a long time."

The National Sports Festival, which began in 1920, is the country's largest multisport event. This year's festival is being held in Jeju for the first time in 12 years, since 2014, with about 30,000 athletes and officials from cities and provinces taking part.

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