First Lady Kim Geon-hee Visits Suicide Rescue Site to Encourage: "Your Existence Strengthens the Nation's Foundation"

Visiting Site on 'World Suicide Prevention Day'
Walking Patrol on Mapo Bridge...Agreeing on Structure Improvements
Delivering Snacks like Pizza..."Will Come to Support Again"

First Lady Kim Geon-hee [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 10th, marking 'World Suicide Prevention Day,' First Lady Kim Keon-hee, wife of President Yoon Suk-yeol, visited the 119 Special Rescue Team Ttukseom Water Rescue Unit, Hangang Police Unit Mangwon Security Center, and Yonggang Police Substation respectively to encourage frontline workers engaged in life-saving efforts, the presidential office spokesperson Jung Hye-jeon conveyed in a written briefing.

Spokesperson Jung said, "Today's visits were an opportunity to express gratitude for the hard work of frontline workers and to listen to their vivid opinions to seek solutions," adding, "Considering the special nature of the sites, the visits were conducted privately."

First Lady Kim also delivered snacks such as pizza, chicken, and hamburgers for the workers who often miss meals due to being constantly on standby for dispatch.

While greeting the frontline workers, First Lady Kim said, "I am well aware that those here are doing the most difficult and challenging work. I will always listen attentively to the voices from the field who know the problems best."

She also encouraged them by saying, "Through the late Sergeant Yoo Jae-guk, who died in the line of duty while rescuing a jumper, many citizens have come to recognize your dedication and self-sacrifice," and added, "Your existence alone strengthens the foundation of the nation."

First Lady Kim emphasized, "Sometimes, in the mindset of saving others, one neglects self-care, so you must also pay close attention to your own mental health," urging caution to avoid dangerous situations during rescue operations.

On the day, she inspected the CCTV control room and boat mooring area and received explanations on how actual rescue activities are conducted. She noted that the control center, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to detect abnormal signs and relay them to each water rescue unit, is one of the most important places and urged them to always respond proactively.

First Lady Kim also joined patrol personnel from the Yonggang Police Substation for a foot patrol on Mapo Bridge.

After personally inspecting the railings of Mapo Bridge, she said, "Measures such as raising the railings have been taken to prevent suicide, but upon visiting the site, there are still many shortcomings," adding, "Like the case of Hangang Bridge, additional improvements such as installing structures seem necessary."

The Hangang Police Unit Mangwon Security Center reportedly presented First Lady Kim with a hat embroidered with the Hangang Police Unit logo during her visit. She expressed gratitude to the frontline workers and responded that she would come again with snacks to cheer them on.