A woman who survived the 2014 Goyang Bus Terminal fire has reunited with the firefighter who rescued her from an escalator where she had become trapped.
Kim Ye-bin, 28, was rescued by firefighter Chae Jong-young, now 39, on May 26, 2014, as a fire spread through the terminal in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. Smoke filled the building, and Kim lost consciousness, with her clothes and hair caught in the escalator mechanism.
Chae used an ax to break open the escalator and free Kim before performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The fire killed nine people and injured 60.
Kim underwent six surgeries for burns and cartilage damage, followed by three years of rehabilitation. She later became a pharmacist and decided to live a life of sharing, feeling that she had a second chance to live. She has since done volunteer work and engaged in charitable giving.
The two reunited Sunday at a fire station in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, according to the Gyeonggi Bukbu Fire and Disaster Headquarters. The reunion came after Kim’s fiance contacted fire stations in search of the firefighter who had rescued her.
Kim, who is due to marry in two months, said she wanted to thank Chae again before her wedding.
“I have always thought of him as my benefactor, someone who saved me and gave me a chance to live a new life,” Kim said.
Chae gave the couple a painting of mandarin ducks that he had made himself to wish them a happy marriage. The birds traditionally symbolize marital harmony in Korean culture.
“Anyone would help someone in danger right in front of them,” Chae said. “I’m simply grateful and happy to hear from her and know that she is living well.”
forestjs@heraldcorp.com
