We interviewed Mr. Jeon Dae-Heon, a POSCO Hero who works in the fisheries industry in Yeongdeok, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and lives in harmony with the sea. In March this year, when a massive wildfire broke out in the region, he used his own boat to evacuate dozens of residents, saving many precious lives. In recognition of his courage and dedication, he was selected as a POSCO Hero for 2025. Mr. Jeon has long been committed to maritime volunteer work and lifesaving efforts, serving as the head of a maritime disaster rescue team. He lives by the belief, “I want to be someone that people in need can rely on.” In this interview, he shares his firsthand account of the urgent rescue operation, the life-changing experience, and his deep compassion for the sea and his community.

 

Q. Hello, please introduce yourself and tell us about your current work.

Hello, my name is Jeon Dae-Heon. I’m 52 years old and live in Yeongdeok. My main job is running a sea squirt aquaculture business. I also operate commissioned projects involving shellfish and seaweed (dolmiyeok), and manage a scuba diving resort.

 

 

Q. Congratulations on being selected as a POSCO Hero. How did you feel when you first heard the news?

First of all, I felt proud and grateful that what I had done was recognized and appreciated. At the same time, I couldn’t fully rejoice given the ongoing recovery efforts in Yeongdeok, which made me feel a bit bittersweet.

 

 

Q. We saw your recent appearance on the TV show Ask Us Anything, Fortune Teller. Were you nervous? How was the experience, and how did people around you react?

Many people around me congratulated me. Some even recognized me at restaurants and said the show left a strong impression on them. They also expressed concern for my fellow guest, Vicky, a foreign colleague who appeared with me. It was truly a memorable and meaningful experience. But honestly, the tension during the shoot is beyond words! I felt a sense of relief once it was over (laughs).

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Q. We heard that during the wildfire in Gyeongbuk last March, you played a major role in rescuing your neighbors using your own boat. Could you describe that urgent situation?

When the wildfire, driven by strong winds, began spreading toward Yeongdeok, I felt deeply uneasy. Because of the nature of my work, I monitor maritime weather closely, and I sensed that something big was about to happen. As the damage worsened and a call went out for help from the Coast Guard’s civilian rescue unit, I, as team leader, felt an overwhelming sense of responsibility.

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Despite concerns from my family, I launched my leisure boat into the sea route. The situation was dire—visibility was poor due to the thick smoke, and rough waters complicated the rescue. Only my foreign colleague Vicky and I were available, so we coordinated with the Coast Guard via radio as we navigated through the haze. We even had difficulties with the boat propeller getting tangled in fishing gear.

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Upon arriving at the scene, we immediately began rescue operations amidst the flames. Since the Coast Guard officers weren’t familiar with the local terrain, I naturally assumed the lead. My biggest concern was figuring out how to rescue the isolated residents. Some rescuers panicked in the smoke and fire, but someone had to step up. Then I spotted a parked car—with the keys in it. That was my moment. I shouted, “Vicky, get in! Let’s use this car to get people out!”

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We started transporting people stranded on the breakwater. Altogether, we rescued over 30 people and transferred them to a private fishing boat near the port, which then transported them safely to Chuksan Port. After that, I used two one-ton trucks to move over 40 people to a shelter. Throughout the night, I ran around gathering supplies. Only after dawn, when more rescuers arrived, was I able to catch my breath. It truly felt like chaos. Even when tensions and conflicts arose among residents due to the lack of control, I tried to stay calm and resolve the situation, which helped the rescue end safely.

 

 

Q. You’ve long been leading the maritime disaster rescue team and engaging in various volunteer and rescue activities. It’s admirable that you balance these with your main job. Is there a specific reason or turning point that made you so dedicated to saving lives?

When I was young, I almost drowned in the sea, and two of my cousins tragically passed away in drowning accidents. One of my uncles, unable to overcome the grief of losing his children, went missing near Hannam Bridge. I participated in the search for him. These experiences left a deep mark on me and steered me toward this path. I hold a sincere wish in my heart to become “someone needed by those in need.”

 

 

Q. We understand that many livelihoods were lost in the wildfire and recovery efforts are underway. How is the situation now?

About 90% of the demolition work is complete, and temporary housing support has just begun, bringing some hope. However, many people fall through the cracks in support systems—like those running small businesses instead of living in homes. These people are devastated. In some ways, it still feels like we’re at war with fire. Rapid recovery is difficult, but thanks to many helping hands, things are slowly moving in a positive direction.

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Q. Has this wildfire experience brought any changes to your life or way of thinking?

I came to believe that to receive blessings from the sea, we must live as one family at sea—supporting and caring for each other. I also realized how important it is to be prepared. The phrase “preparation prevents misfortune” now resonates with me more deeply than ever before.

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Q. Lastly, is there a message you’d like to share with others?

Everyone goes through hardships and suffering at some point in life. Don’t let those moments break you down—they too shall pass. When you overcome difficulties first and open the path of hope, others around you will follow. Keep a positive mindset. Don’t fall into despair, and live the rest of your life with meaning and joy.