On January 7, Jin Kwang-seok, 65, was awaiting his wife’s arrival at home when the Palisades fire broke out. As evacuation orders were issued and emergency vehicles jammed Palisades Drive, Jin navigated through the chaos. Despite his wife’s pleas, the Palisades fire hero decided to remain behind to assist firefighters.
Battling Flames for Nearly 20 Hours
Jin spent nearly 20 hours aiding the firefighting efforts without food or rest. He helped extinguish two fires that had jumped firebreaks and continuously provided crucial updates to firefighters, preventing flames from spreading into the Sea Ridge residential area. Only after reaching Koreatown in the afternoon of January 8 did he finally rest.
Courage Born from Santiago Experience
Jin had undergone three surgeries and chemotherapy treatments for cancer over the past three years. However, his courageous actions during the disaster were inspired by a profound realization during a solo trip to Santiago, Chile, last September.
“In Santiago, I deeply reflected on life and death,” Jin explained. “I concluded that helping others was the reason I survived. Those memories gave me courage during the fire.”
A devout Catholic, Jin expressed relief that, apart from two locations, the complex experienced minimal damage and no casualties.
Community Praise and Mayoral Recognition
His efforts became widely known through a community chat group, prompting praise and some exaggerated claims about rescuing people. Jin clarified the situation, stating, “The firefighters risked their lives. I only reported conditions to help them.”
At the end of January, Jin received a surprise call from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Initially skeptical, he realized the call was genuine when Mayor Bass personally thanked him and provided her direct number for further assistance.
On April 7, Mayor Bass visited Jin’s family in Koreatown, personally presenting him with a certificate of appreciation.
Recovery and Next Steps
Although Jin’s home recently completed repairs from smoke damage, medical advice warned him against returning immediately due to residual ash in the air. Consequently, Jin and his family will temporarily reside elsewhere.
BY BRIAN CHOI [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
