Fallen Pilot Who Left the Words "I Love You"... We Love You Too, Thank You.

A Tearful Farewell to Captain Park Hyunwoo,
the Hero Who Lost His Life Battling the Uiseong Wildfire

The funeral of Captain Park Hyun-woo (73), who died in a helicopter crash while extinguishing a wildfire in Uiseong, Gyeongbuk, was held.

On the 29th, Yonhap News reported that the family of Captain Park, who died in the helicopter crash during wildfire suppression, bid their final farewell with tears at the New Goryeo Funeral Hall in Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province. About 20 relatives and acquaintances of Captain Park silently wept as they watched the coffin containing his body being taken out of the mortuary and loaded onto the hearse. Captain Park’s son, holding a portrait of his father, bowed his head in silent prayer but eventually broke down in tears.

His wife, Jang Gwang-ja (71), said, "Thank you for all your hard work doing tough jobs for the family, and I love you," adding, "We will always cherish and be grateful for the memories with you, so let’s meet again in heaven." Shin Sang-beom (73), a close friend of the deceased for 30 years, expressed sorrow, saying, "He was like an icon of diligence, risking danger to board the helicopter even in the smoke-filled wildfire site."

Captain Park’s grandson wrote a letter in memory of his grandfather, saying, "Thank you for being my grandfather," and "I am very sad that you passed away, but please always watch over me from heaven. I love you, Grandpa."

Captain Park served as a helicopter pilot in the Army Aviation Unit for many years before retiring and reemploying at a leasing company. He carried out various missions such as oil drilling, disaster prevention work, and wildfire suppression, and was known for his strong sense of responsibility in flight operations. He was a veteran pilot with 40 years of flying experience. Despite his busy schedule, he was a caring person who attentively looked after his family. He had been married to his wife for over 45 years and showed deep affection by telling her "I love you" every day, which adds to the poignancy of his passing. It was reported that around 9 p.m. on the 25th, the day before the accident, he called his wife as usual, asked how she was, said "I love you, honey," and then ended the call. This was their last conversation.

Captain Park died in a helicopter crash around 12:45 p.m. on the 26th while conducting firefighting operations on a mountain in Gyoan-ri, Sinpyeong-myeon, Uiseong-gun. He will be recognized as a public official who died in the line of duty and is scheduled to be interred at the National Cemetery in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province.