Firefighter Who Conducted Rescue Activities at 'Itaewon Tragedy' Missing

A firefighter in his 30s has gone missing in Incheon, and police and fire authorities have been searching for him for over a week.

The individual is Park Heung-jun (36), a member of the Namdong Fire Station who was deployed to the rescue site during the Itaewon tragedy on October 29, 2022.

He disappeared after pulling over his vehicle on the shoulder near the Nam Incheon Tollgate around 2:30 a.m. on the 10th. Since then, there has been no news of him for more than a week.

Suffering from depression after the tragedy… "I’m sorry for not being able to save more"

After the Itaewon tragedy, Park expressed deep guilt in a media interview, stating, "I am sorry to the victims and their families for not being able to save more."

He was diagnosed with depression after the incident and has been undergoing medication treatment. His younger brother mentioned in an interview with YTN, "Because he was struggling, he even took on night shifts that were more physically demanding."

At the time of his disappearance, he was reportedly wearing a black hat, a black T-shirt, and white slippers. Police and fire authorities immediately began their search, but no clear leads have been found to date.

Family’s Heartfelt Plea

Park’s family has created flyers and distributed them online and offline as they desperately seek information.

His younger brother told the media, "Just a few days ago, we were exercising together and eating chicken while laughing," and pleaded, "Please return to us in good health."

The fire authorities stated, "We are continuing the search using all available means." As the trauma and mental anguish surrounding the on-site personnel after the tragedy are once again gaining attention, citizens are sending messages wishing for his safe return.

Image source: Flyers produced by Park Heung-jun's family, YTN