Mountaineer Kim Hong-bin's Challenge to Complete All 14 Himalayan Peaks as the First Disabled Person

Expedition Launch Ceremony... Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop's Encouragement

Hongbin Kim, mountaineer

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop wished success to mountaineer Kim Hong-bin, the expedition leader who has no fingers on both hands, in his challenge to become the world's first disabled person to complete the ascent of all 14 Himalayan peaks over 8,000 meters.

According to Gwangju Metropolitan City on the 1st, the 'Kim Hong-bin Broad Peak Expedition Team' held a launch ceremony that day.

The launch ceremony was attended by Mayor Lee Yong-seop, City Council Chairman Kim Yong-jip, former National Assembly member Jang Byung-wan, Kolping Chairman Park Man-young, and others, and proceeded with expedition reports, fund and sponsorship deliveries, and other events.

The expedition team consists of six members, led by expedition leader Kim Hong-bin and climbing leader Ryu Jae-kang.

From the 10th of this month to the 29th of next month, they plan to climb Broad Peak (8,047m), the third highest peak in the Karakoram mountain range located northeast of K2 in the northeastern part of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, east of Gilgit.

The Broad Peak ascent was postponed last year due to the spread of COVID-19 despite all preparations being completed.

If this Broad Peak climb is successful, expedition leader Kim Hong-bin will achieve a historic record as the world's first disabled person to complete all 14 Himalayan peaks over 8,000 meters.

Mayor Lee said, “The numerous challenges and successes achieved by expedition leader Kim Hong-bin and his team have given great courage to people. At a time when the entire nation is suffering from COVID-19 difficulties, I hope that Kim will succeed in completing all 14 Himalayan peaks and deliver a great message of joy and hope to the citizens of Gwangju and the entire nation.”