On November 13, the Fire Agency held the 2026 119 Hero Awards ceremony at the Peace and Park Convention Center in Yongsan, Seoul, honoring ten citizens for their bravery.
The 119 Hero Awards recognize the courage and dedication of citizens who risk their lives to save others in disaster and accident situations. The awards have been presented by the Fire Agency since 2018, with this year's event organized by the Hope Bridge National Disaster Relief Association.
This year's recipients include Kim Young-yoon, Jin Young-ho, Yoon Bong-il, Lee Yoon-geon, Kim Young-ja, Lee Sang-deok, Jo Ye-bon, Oh Kyung-min, Kim Ji-eun, and Park Dong-ho.
These individuals saved lives in various locations, including oceans, valleys, and mountainous areas, as well as in everyday settings like buses, subway stations, and roads.
Some jumped into the water to rescue drowning individuals, while others braved strong currents to save isolated residents in flooded villages. They also assisted in moving drivers who had fallen into rivers to safety.
One hero performed CPR on a collapsed pedestrian after stopping a bus, while another provided first aid and helped transport a patient using a stretcher until rescue teams arrived at a mountain accident scene.
According to the Fire Agency, prompt initial responses by ordinary citizens at accident scenes significantly increase survival chances. Statistics from the first half of 2025 show that the survival rate for cardiac arrest patients who received CPR from bystanders was 15.3%, compared to 5.6% for those who did not receive CPR, indicating a 2.7-fold increase.
Fire Chief Choi Yong-cheol emphasized, "The courage and actions of citizens who step forward without hesitation to save others in moments of crisis are a valuable force that makes our society safer." He added, "We will do our utmost to actively identify and honor such citizens."
He also stated, "The Fire Agency will remain committed to its fundamental role of protecting the lives and safety of the public, and we will strive to cultivate a culture of life respect and safety in our society."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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