32-Year-Old Man Who Shared Others' Sorrows
"I Will Live Harder," but Died in a Preventable Accident
A man in his 30s, Mr. Jo (32), who died in the flooding of the underground passage in Osong, Cheongju, is being remembered for his social media posts expressing sorrow over tragedies such as the Sewol ferry disaster and the Itaewon tragedy. This young man, who empathized deeply with social disasters, tragically lost his life in another calamity, adding to the sorrow.
On the 16th, 119 rescue workers are recovering a missing person found deceased at Gungpyeong 2 Underpass in Osong-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, which was flooded due to the collapse of the Miho Stream embankment. [Photo by Yonhap News]
Mr. Jo died on the morning of the 15th after being swept away by a rapid current on Cheongju’s 747 express bus during his commute to work. On the 17th, posts he had made on Facebook in the past began circulating on online communities, leading to an outpouring of condolences and tributes.
On April 16, 2019, the 5th anniversary of the Sewol ferry disaster, Mr. Jo wrote, "Five years ago, I was a poor college student living in a goshiwon (small, cheap dormitory). Life was hard for me then, but when I saw the news about the Sewol ferry, tears fell. I hoped and hoped again that the children would be rescued safely. Today, five years later, I am still a poor college student, and many children did not come back. The truth has mostly come out, but the adults who should be responsible are not in their places. However, the hearts we shared back then will remain for a long time and guide us on the path we must take. Kids, so that such a tragedy never happens again, those of us left behind will live harder."
On October 30, 2022, the day after the Itaewon tragedy occurred, he recalled, "Hearing the news reminded me of an accident that happened long ago in Sangju. My hometown Sangju is a rural area with a population under 100,000, and around autumn, they used to hold a bicycle festival. Celebrities were invited to the festival, and over 10,000 people gathered at the performance venue to see the famous guests, and an accident happened." He added, "Maybe that’s why I felt uneasy hearing about the Itaewon accident. I wish safety for everyone I know and those I don’t know." He also wrote, "It’s sad to see youth, which should be shining brightly, end like this."
Search operations for the missing person are underway on the morning of the 16th at Gungpyeong 2 Underpass in Osong-eup, Cheongju-si, Chungbuk, which was flooded due to the collapse of the Miho Stream embankment. [Photo by Yonhap News]
As Mr. Jo’s deep empathy for others’ tragedies became known, reactions such as "He was someone who felt so deeply for disasters, yet he died in a disaster himself," and "A young man who empathized with others’ sorrow and mourned with them suffered a tragedy," have been shared.
In an interview with Hankyoreh, the bereaved family said, "He was at the prime age for earning money and worked hard at his job. Although we were far apart, we kept in frequent contact." They emphasized, "This disaster has many serious issues. A thorough investigation is absolutely necessary."
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