On the 15th, the POSCO TJ Park Foundation conducted an interview with Tae-woon Jung, a third-grade elementary school student, and his mother. Tae-woon was recognized as a POSCO Hero for his remarkable courage and composure in a life-threatening situation where he saved his mother's life. A ten-year-old attending Buwon Elementary School, Tae-woon calmly called 119 (emergency services) and performed CPR for about seven minutes during his mother’s cardiac arrest. His actions, guided by what he had learned and his refusal to give up even in a terrifying moment, moved countless people and earned him the POSCO Heroes award.

​

In this interview, Tae-woon shared a vivid account of the emergency, his thoughts on participating in the POSCO Heroes award ceremony, and his everyday life as a boy with dreams of becoming a soccer player. Through conversations with his mother, who miraculously regained consciousness, they also shared heartfelt moments and the changes in their lives since the incident. We’re honored to share the inspiring story of this brave young boy and his loving mother.

 

 

Q. Congratulations on being selected as a POSCO Hero! How did you feel when you heard the news? What was the award ceremony like at the POSCO Center?

When I first heard from my mom that I had been chosen as a POSCO Hero, it felt a little unfamiliar, but I was really proud and happy to be receiving an award. I submitted a field trip request at school and went to the POSCO Center for the ceremony. The huge aquarium and the old TVs (Nam June Paik’s works) that I saw in the lobby were very memorable. The building itself was big, grand, and impressive. It was even more special because the ceremony was held on Parents’ Day, and I could attend with my mom and receive the award together. After the ceremony, we visited a bookstore in the basement of the POSCO Center, bought a book, and headed home. On the way back, there were so many expensive cars and tall buildings—I had a great time just looking around.

 

 

Q. We heard you also appeared on the popular TV show “You Quiz on the Block,” which is known nationwide. Were you nervous? How did your family and friends react?

I was both nervous and excited because I got to meet Yoo Jae-suk and Jo Se-ho. I was really nervous on the day of filming, but all the staff members were very kind, so I felt comfortable during the interview. My grandfather was so proud—he recorded the show and kept watching it. My school friends also praised me and said I was really cool.

​

Q. You performed CPR for seven minutes and saved your mother’s life—something even adults often struggle with. We heard you also called 119 and clearly communicated the situation. Can you tell us what happened that day?

I was in the living room and my mom was in the kitchen. While we were talking, I suddenly heard a loud thud, so I ran to the kitchen. My mom had collapsed. I quickly checked if she was breathing by putting my hand near her nose. When I realized she wasn’t breathing, I decided to start CPR. I called 119 myself and tried my best to clearly explain our home address and my mom’s condition. I continued CPR for about seven minutes until the emergency responders arrived. It was hard to press down properly at times, so I climbed onto my mom’s body to do it more effectively. I think I was able to handle the situation well because I had received CPR training four times—once at kindergarten, once at my taekwondo studio, and twice at elementary school, between the ages of six and nine. Also, I’m the one who always orders the chicken at home, so I was used to giving out our address without panicking. (laughs)

​

Q. What has changed for you since you saved your mother?

Before, I used to be scared to walk down the hallway in our apartment, so I always called my dad to come and get me. But after saving my mom, I feel braver and not scared anymore. I think I’ve become more courageous.

​

Q. Is there a message you'd like to share with everyone?

I hope everyone can live a happy and healthy life.

​

Q. Your mother also joined the interview. Could you share how your life has changed since the incident?

I collapsed from an acute myocardial infarction, but I don’t even remember falling. Thanks to Tae-woon, I was safely handed over to emergency responders and placed in the ICU, but I was unconscious for five days. The doctors told my family that if I was lucky, I might end up in a vegetative state, and if not, possibly brain-dead. It was that serious. Thankfully, I regained consciousness after five days. When I opened my eyes, Tae-woon was crying and asking me if I recognized him. I didn’t even know why I was in the hospital. I’m so grateful to Tae-woon for saving my life. After this experience, I realized how precious life truly is. My body isn’t fully recovered yet, and sometimes it doesn’t work the way I want it to, which makes me feel down. But since I’ve basically come back from the brink of death, I try to live each day with gratitude and happiness. Just like Tae-woon said, I hope everyone lives each day with appreciation, good health, and joy.