Four Citizens Who Rescued Neighbors from Flames Named "POSCO Heroes"

POSCO Group Donates 2 Billion Won to Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association
Supports Recovery Efforts and Aid for Wildfire Victims

The POSCO Cheongam Foundation (Chairman: Chang Inhwa) selected four citizens who saved lives during the worst-ever forest fire in Gyeongbuk as "POSCO Heroes" and, on the 23rd, presented them with plaques and cash prizes at the Gyeongbuk Fire Headquarters in the presence of Park Sungyeol, Chief of the Gyeongbuk Fire Headquarters.

Since its establishment in 1971, the POSCO Cheongam Foundation has contributed to the joint development of not only Korea but also Asia by fostering outstanding talent and engaging in global social contribution activities.

On the 23rd, the POSCO Cheongam Foundation presented plaques and cash prizes to four POSCO Heroes who saved lives during the forest fire in Gyeongbuk at the Gyeongbuk Fire Headquarters. (From left: Park Sungyeol, Chief of Gyeongbuk Fire Headquarters; Su Gi-anto; Jeon Daehun; Kim Okhwa; Kim Hyeongjong) Provided by Gwangyang Steelworks

In particular, the POSCO Cheongam Foundation established the "POSCO Heroes" award in 2019 to honor individuals who have performed righteous acts for others and society in emergencies or national disasters, presenting them with plaques and cash prizes. To date, a total of 102 individuals have been selected as "POSCO Heroes."

Amid the urgent situation where a large-scale forest fire in the Gyeongbuk region rapidly spread and threatened the lives and safety of residents, the devoted actions of four citizens who ran into the flames to save their neighbors stood out.

Su Gianto (31), originally from Indonesia, went door to door in a nearby village in Yeongdeok as the forest fire spread, waking up sleeping residents and helping them evacuate. He personally carried elderly residents with limited mobility on his back to a breakwater 300 meters away. Su Gianto came to Korea eight years ago on a work visa and has been working as a seafarer. He has a six-year-old son and a wife in his home country of Indonesia.

In the same Yeongdeok area, Jeon Daehun (52) carried out dedicated rescue operations by using his own vessel to evacuate 34 residents who had taken refuge on the breakwater to a safe location. As the head of the Yeongdeok Rescue Team, Jeon Daehun has also led volunteer and maritime lifesaving activities.

Kim Okhwa (56) and Kim Hyeongjong (48) were also selected as POSCO Heroes for their courageous actions, which included quickly alerting others to the emergency fire situation and helping residents escape using their own vehicles.

Meanwhile, on March 25, POSCO Group donated 2 billion won in disaster relief funds to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association to support recovery efforts and aid for wildfire victims. The company also produced and provided "Emergency Relief Kits for Wildfire Victims," which included daily necessities such as hygiene products, blankets, and emergency food, demonstrating its strong commitment to social responsibility in supporting those affected by the disaster.