Father Suffers 2nd-3rd Degree Burns from Arson
Economic Hardship Due to Lack of Health Insurance Coverage
Netizens Respond with Donation Campaign After Hearing Story
On the 2nd, an arson incident occurred at an apartment in Duho-dong, Buk-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongbuk. Yonhap News
Acquaintances are reaching out to help a man in his 20s who was seriously injured in an apartment arson incident that occurred in Pohang, Gyeongbuk.
At around 11:26 a.m. on the 2nd, a fire broke out on the 4th floor of a 13-story apartment building in Duho-dong, Buk-gu, Pohang. The incident resulted in the death of the 60-year-old father, Mr. Son (60), and two sons receiving treatment at the hospital. In particular, the younger son, Minhyuk, suffered second- to third-degree burns over his entire body and is currently struggling to survive after receiving donated skin grafts.
According to the attending physician, his chance of recovery is currently about 5%. Minhyuk is undergoing regenerative treatment using tissues covered by health insurance, but since significant effects are not expected, the hospital is recommending an autologous cultured skin graft surgery to increase his survival rate. However, this surgery is not covered by health insurance, and Minhyuk’s family is reportedly facing financial difficulties regarding the cost.
The eldest son of the brothers affected by the arson incident in a Pohang apartment posted a message to raise funds for his younger brother's surgery. X
The story spread online after the eldest son, Mr. A, posted a request for help on X (formerly Twitter). Mr. A introduced himself as a university graduate preparing for employment and explained, "My younger brother has been known as a saxophone prodigy since childhood and majored in saxophone at the university’s practical music department." In fact, Minhyuk won a silver prize for saxophone performance at the Gyeonghyang Practical Music Competition during middle school. Mr. A added, "After completing his third year, he served in the Navy’s public relations unit and was preparing to return for his fourth year when the arson incident occurred," and stated, "My brother suffered severe burns over his entire body, and about 500 million KRW is needed for surgery."
It was later revealed that Minhyuk was also an artist who actively posted fan art for the game "Blue Archive," which sparked a donation relay among game fans. Kim Yongha, General PD of Nexon Games, who learned of the story, also announced his participation in the donation, saying, "Although it is a small amount, I will support." Additionally, about 10 Navy comrades who served with Minhyuk are conducting fundraising activities together.
Netizens who heard the story expressed their hopes with comments such as "I hope a miracle happens," "I hope he fully recovers," and "Wishing you a speedy recovery."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
