Lawmaker Clears Drainage Ditch in Soaked Suit... Online: "You Worked Hard" vs. "Volunteer Work Should Be Done Quietly"

Park Haecheol, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker for Ansan B, Gyeonggi Province
"I’ll inspect flood-prone areas to prevent damage"

A video of Park Haecheol, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker representing Ansan B in Gyeonggi Province, wading into a flooded road in a suit and clearing leaves with his bare hands after a sudden downpour has drawn attention online.

According to political circles on October 19, Park said in a Facebook post the previous day, "Because of the heavy rain and strong winds, I was concerned about safety, so I canceled today's on-site citizens' office and am checking areas where rain damage is expected."

In a post shared alongside his remarks, Park is seen soaked through, wearing a suit and bending over in a waterlogged road to clear leaves by hand from a storm drain. He was also seen stepping directly into water that reached his calves, holding an umbrella in one hand as he cleared the area around the drain.

"A sudden downpour blocked the road's drainage system, so I quickly cleared away the leaves," Park said. "I will also inspect areas that are prone to flooding to ensure there are no inconveniences for residents or safety risks." He added, "I hope Ansan City will also make thorough preparations for flash floods and flooding that could result from sudden rain."

People who watched the video were divided. Some said, "You worked hard" and "I support you," while others asked, "Why film this and make it public?" and said, "Sincere volunteer work should be done quietly."

According to fire authorities and the Korea Meteorological Administration, autumn rain accompanied by strong winds fell across the Seoul metropolitan area, including Ansan, on October 19, causing damage in several places.

At around 2:30 p.m., a power outage occurred in Sadong, Sangnok-gu, Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, after an unidentified object carried by strong winds came into contact with a power line. The outage affected 950 households.

Also, three people trapped in a vehicle by flooding at Wanjeong Intersection in Majeon-dong, Seo-gu, Incheon, were rescued. In Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, water flooded a road, and a driver evacuated with help from firefighters. Roads were also flooded in Goyang, Paju and other areas.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 19, the Gyeonggi Fire and Disaster Headquarters recorded a total of 115 responses related to rain damage: one drainage support operation and 114 safety measures. No casualties were reported.

Park previously chaired the Federation of Public and Industrial Trade Unions, which is affiliated with the Federation of Korean Trade Unions. He was elected as a lawmaker for Ansan B in Gyeonggi Province with 54.18% of the vote in the 22nd National Assembly election held on May 10, 2024.

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