South Korean Coast Guard Sergeant Loses Life Saving Chinese Tourist on Incheon Tidal Flat, Prompting Widespread Tribute】

On September 11, 2024, 34‑year‑old Lee Jae‑seok, a sergeant in the Korean Coast Guard, was on duty near Incheon’s expansive mudflats when a sudden rise in the tide trapped a 70‑year‑old Chinese tourist, identified in local reports as “Mr. A.” The elderly man struggled to keep his head above water as the currents grew stronger, and Lee, who had been promoted just a month earlier and had earned multiple commendations for his service, rushed to his aid.

Witnesses say Lee handed his own life jacket to the Chinese citizen, urging him to put it on before they both tried to swim toward shore. As they paddled against the surging water, Lee was swept farther out and disappeared from view. Rescue teams launched a helicopter into the frigid night and eventually retrieved Mr. A, who survived with cuts and signs of hypothermia. Lee’s body was later recovered, unresponsive, having suffered cardiac arrest while still in the water. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The incident quickly went viral on China’s social platform Weibo, where users rallied around the hashtags #韩国海警将救生衣让给中国老人后遇难# (“Korean Coast Guard gives life jacket to Chinese elder and dies”) and #韩国34岁海警为救中国老人遇难# (“34‑year‑old Korean Coast Guard officer dies saving Chinese elder”). Thousands of comments mourned the loss, with many highlighting the officer’s youth and selflessness: “一个好人，太可惜了，这么年轻，真是很让人难过。R.I.P.” (“A good person, what a pity, so young, it’s really sad. Rest in peace.”) and “致敬救人英雄” (“Salute to the hero who saved lives”).

Beyond personal tributes, the story sparked a broader conversation about the risks faced by rescue personnel and the need for stronger preventative measures. Users called for clearer warning signs around dangerous tidal zones, improved cross‑border safety advisories for tourists, and better protective equipment for those tasked with life‑saving missions. The Korean Coast Guard, while mourning the loss of one of its own, has pledged to review its protocols and work with neighboring authorities to reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies.

Lee Jae‑seok’s sacrifice, occurring at a moment when rising tides threatened a civilian foreign visitor, underscores a timeless truth: in the face of danger, compassion can cross national boundaries. His act has been hailed as a powerful symbol of humanity, prompting both sides of the Yellow Sea to reflect on the shared responsibility of safeguarding lives at sea. As families on both sides mourn, the memory of a young officer who chose another’s safety over his own will linger in the collective consciousness, reminding us that heroism often comes at the highest personal cost.