Dongdaemun District Supports Civil Bravery Designation for Jeong Taekeun, Who Prevented Major Fire in Multi-Family Home

Early Response with Fire Extinguisher, Four Residents Evacuated
Jeong Undergoing Treatment After Inhaling Toxic Gas

At 6:57 p.m. on December 30 last year, a fire of unknown origin broke out on the third-floor staircase of a multi-family house in Jangandong, Dongdaemun District, Seoul. The staircase serves as both the path up to the higher floors and the way down. If smoke fills that route first, people inside the house can lose their sense of direction.

A multi-family house in Jangandong engulfed in flames. Provided by Dongdaemun District Office.

At that moment, Jeong Taek-eun (61), who lived nearby, sprang into action. He grabbed a fire extinguisher from his office and rushed straight to the scene of the fire. Before the flames could spread further, he sprayed the extinguisher at the fire on the staircase, attempting to contain it in its early stages. At the same time, he shouted, "Come outside!" to alert the residents, helping four people evacuate safely.

Soon after, firefighters arrived at the scene and finished extinguishing the fire. The Dongdaemun Fire Station commented, "The fire could have escalated into a major blaze, but thanks to the swift initial response, it was brought under control early."

Although the fire was put out, Mr. Jeong inhaled a large amount of toxic gas during the firefighting process and was transported to a specialized burn hospital in Wangsimni. After receiving oxygen therapy, he was discharged after six days, but he is still receiving outpatient treatment.

Mr. Jeong is the head of the Dongdaemun branch of the Korea Life Saving Association (also known as the 911 Rescue Team). He has been involved in activities such as "Wish Trip 911," which fulfills the wishes of people with limited mobility, repairing wheelchairs at nursing homes, and fixing old restrooms in the hillside village of Changsin-dong. Neighbors remember him as "the person who appears in times of emergency."

Dongdaemun District Office has recognized Mr. Jeong's courageous actions as those of a "hidden hero" and is planning to honor him with a district mayor's commendation to celebrate his noble spirit. In addition, the district plans to actively support an application to the Ministry of Health and Welfare for his designation as a person of merit for civil bravery and is also considering recommending him for the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Safety Award. If designated as a person of merit, he will receive special consolation payments and other support according to the grade awarded.

Lee Pil-hyung, Mayor of Dongdaemun District, stated, "Thanks to Director Jeong Taek-eun's swift and brave response, greater damage was prevented," adding, "The dedication of citizens who step forward for their neighbors is the strongest force in safeguarding the safety of our community."

Mr. Jeong Taek-eun. Provided by Dongdaemun-gu.