[iNews24 Reporter Park Ji-eun] On May 7, the Korea Economic Association (KEA) invited families of firefighters killed in the line of duty to FKI Tower in Yeouido, Seoul, presented them with support donations, and hosted a luncheon.
Attendees included Ryu Jin, chairman of the Korea Economic Association; Yoon Ho-joong, Minister of the Interior and Safety; and Kim Seung-ryong, commissioner of the National Fire Agency.
Eight households — a total of 10 family members of firefighters — attended, including the bereaved families of the late Sergeant Kim Soo-gwang and the late firefighter Park Su-hoon, who died in a factory fire in Mungyeong in 2024.
The Korea Economic Association handed over 300 million KRW (approximately $225,000), including Ryu’s personal donation of 100 million KRW (approximately $75,000), to the firefighters’ support group Fire Families Hope Sharing.
The funds will be used for scholarships for children of fallen firefighters, family counseling, and emergency living assistance.
Ryu said, \”South Korea stands on the sacrifices of our firefighting heroes, and it is only right that we thank and honor them. We gathered here today to remember those heroes.\”
He added, \”No one can fully measure the pain and loss of the bereaved families, but we prepared this small gesture to share our sympathy. Going forward, the business community will continue to stand with you and work to ensure that uniformed heroes receive the respect they deserve in society.\”
Since Ryu took office, the association has made honoring veterans and those who served a core part of its social contribution efforts and has expanded related activities.
Those efforts began in 2023 with a visit to comfort a firefighter battling blood cancer, and in 2024 the association ran a family photo project called \”We, Together\” for families of fallen military personnel, police officers, and firefighters.
This year, to mark the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, the association is also promoting the \”Prestige Shop (Shops of Honor)\” program to improve aging storefronts run by descendants of independence activists.
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