North Korean Defector Public Official Donates Entire First Salary to Fire Disaster Victims
Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province announced that public official A, a defector from North Korea, donated his entire first salary to victims of the large forest fires in Gangwon and Gyeongbuk regions.
In a letter accompanying his donation, A expressed his gratitude, stating, "Having never contributed a single brick to this country or planted a single tree, the fact that I can live well is thanks to the interests and love of many people."
He explained that witnessing strangers, who have no connection to him or his hometown, sharing in the joys and sorrows of life made him thankful to live in the Republic of Korea and motivated him to repay the kindness he has received through this donation.
A felt deep sorrow upon hearing that many people are suffering due to the recent large forest fires and that several public officials have lost their precious lives.
Although it is not a large sum of money, he decided to donate his first salary with the hope of making a small contribution to those struggling in the Republic of Korea. His donation will be used to support the fire disaster victims through the Seongnam City Public Officials' Union.
A settled in the Republic of Korea alone six years ago. Despite the unfamiliar environment and language, he persevered without despair and recently secured a position as a public official on a two-year contract in Seongnam City. He is currently responsible for social welfare counseling, support for North Korean defectors, and handling grievances at the city hall.
Since 2017, Seongnam City has been hiring public officials of North Korean defector origin to help ensure stable settlement for defectors with limited living resources and to enhance communication between them and the local community.
Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin remarked, "I bow my head in respect for the meaningful donation from someone who has endured the weight of life more deeply than anyone else," adding, "This warm gesture from someone who once received help and has now become a helper is indeed the kind of community we strive for."
Image Source: Provided by Seongnam City, Firefighting Special Response Team members working to extinguish the fire / News1
