Middle School Student Who Saved Three Friends from Drowning in Reservoir Officially Designated as "Righteous Person"

Dalseong County in Daegu Delivers Additional Compensation to Bereaved Family

Dalseong County in Daegu (County Governor Choi Jaehoon) announced on May 18 that Park, a 13-year-old middle school student who tragically died while trying to save his friends from drowning at the Seojae-ri reservoir in Dasa-eup on January 13, has been officially designated as a "righteous person" by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

On the day of the accident, Park rescued three out of five friends who had fallen into the water after the ice broke while they were playing on the frozen reservoir. He lost his life after jumping back in to save the last friend. Park's courageous actions deeply moved many people. After the police investigation was concluded, Dalseong County requested his designation as a righteous person from the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

A reservoir where Park, a middle school student living in Dalseong County, Daegu, died after saving three friends who had fallen into the water.

The designation of "righteous person" is an honor granted under the Act on Honoring and Supporting Persons Who Died or Were Injured While Performing Acts of Bravery, to those who lose their lives while saving others’ lives or bodies outside the scope of their official duties. The bereaved families receive compensation, medical benefits, and employment support as part of this recognition.

Choi Jaehoon, Governor of Dalseong County, stated, "I hope Park's noble spirit of sacrifice serves as a model for our society, and we will spare no effort in honoring and supporting righteous citizens." He added, "Recently, Dalseong County has conducted comprehensive inspections of all reservoirs in the area to prevent safety accidents during both winter and summer, and has installed 41 life-saving equipment units at 37 reservoirs to ensure the safety and lives of our residents."

Meanwhile, in accordance with the Ministry of Health and Welfare's designation, Dalseong County also plans to provide an additional compensation to Park's bereaved family under the 'Dalseong County Ordinance on Honoring and Supporting Righteous Citizens.'