On Wednesday, May 8, 2025, the 2025 POSCO Heroes Heart Saver Awards Ceremony was held at the Art Hall on the 4th floor of POSCO Center. A total of around 70 participants, including the 30 award recipients and their family members, gathered to celebrate the brave individuals who helped save lives in critical moments.

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Since 2023, the POSCO TJ Park Foundation has partnered with the National Fire Agency to operate the POSCO Heroes Heart Saver program, which recognizes and awards outstanding civilian cases among those designated as "Heart Savers." The title of “Heart Saver” is an honorable distinction given to citizens who save the lives of cardiac arrest patients through swift and accurate CPR.

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This year, among 422 general public nominees recommended by the National Fire Agency, 30 individuals were selected as 2025 POSCO Heroes Heart Savers through the Foundation’s internal review process. The selection criteria prioritized exemplary rescue cases, individuals currently enrolled in educational programs, and those raising children.

 

 

In his congratulatory address, Lee Young-pal, Deputy Commissioner of the National Fire Agency, remarked, “Among our thirty heroes today is Jung Tae-woon, a third-grade elementary school student, and Ha Tae-ryong, a 62-year-old who saved a neighbor near a public bath—our eldest awardee this year. Others include students, office workers, homemakers, bus drivers, and more. Each one of them deserves individual recognition for their greatness, but allow me to extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to you all.”

 

 

The award ceremony then proceeded, with Mr. Choi Dong-kyun, Executive Director of the POSCO TJ Park Foundation, and Deputy Commissioner Lee Young-pal alternating in presenting the awards to the 30 honorees. The audience responded with warm applause, acknowledging the courage and humanity of each recipient.

 

 

Following the presentation, four recipients were invited to share their reflections on behalf of all awardees. One recipient shared, “I only did what anyone should do. I was afraid at the time, but there was no time to hesitate. Seeing someone’s father or mother lying unconscious, I simply ran to help.” Another said, “I received CPR training regularly at my workplace, but I never imagined I’d one day use it to save a life.” Their heartfelt testimonies deeply moved everyone in attendance and highlighted the importance of first aid education.

 

 

The ceremony concluded with a group photo. Families held each other’s hands and posed proudly to preserve the memory of this meaningful occasion. The POSCO TJ Park Foundation launched the POSCO Heroes program in 2019 to recognize and honor those who selflessly act for others and society in times of crisis. As of 2025, a total of 132 heroes have been honored through this initiative, inspiring a spirit of courage and solidarity across the nation. The Foundation remains committed to promoting a culture that values life and encourages acts of bravery for the greater good.

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