The "unknown citizen" who rescued a middle school student swept away by waves and then quietly left the scene has been identified as an active-duty Army staff sergeant.
According to the Sokcho Coast Guard in Gangwon Province on the 22nd, an accident occurred on the 19th near the Geojin 11-ri breakwater on a beach in Geojin-eup, Goseong County, where a 13-year-old boy identified only as A was swept out to sea by high waves and strong currents.
At the time, a heavy rain advisory was in effect along the northern coast of Gangwon Province. The site of the accident was also an unauthorized swimming area with no safety personnel deployed, making it an urgent situation that could have led to a major loss of life.
Staff Sergeant Ko Yeong-woo of the Army's Kumgangsan Brigade, who witnessed the accident nearby, immediately grabbed a tube and jumped into the sea. Ko pushed through the strong waves and currents, reached the boy, and safely rescued him to the beach.
The Coast Guard, dispatched after receiving the report, checked the health of the boy and Ko before taking safety measures. Ko then left the scene without saying anything.
The story became known when the boy's parents posted an article titled "Looking for the good Samaritan at Geojin Beach" on an online community the same day.
The boy's parents described the situation, saying, "After calling 119, I could only stamp my feet in despair as I watched my son being swept away from the shore by the current." They added, "At that moment, a citizen jumped into the sea with just one tube, rescued the child, and then disappeared like the wind."
They continued, "The moment my child came out of the water, all the big and small worries of life became meaningless. I thanked him at the scene, but as time passes, I feel keenly how great his brave act was. I hope I can find our benefactor through the post I wrote. I also thank the 119 rescue team and the Coast Guard who were dispatched. From now on, I will be more careful about safety."
Netizens who came across the story left supportive comments such as "a true hero," "I hope you find your benefactor," and "Thank you for the courageous act."
The Sokcho Coast Guard plans to present a certificate of commendation on the 24th to Ko, who saved a precious life through quick judgment and courageous action.
Lee Woo-su, chief of the Sokcho Coast Guard, said, "I am deeply grateful for the courage and dedication of a soldier who risked danger to save a life," adding, "This is a case that shows how important it is for everyone to care and act for the safety of the community."
