Overview
- Officer Lee Jae-seok died after attempting to save a man stranded near Kkot Island around 3:30 a.m. Thursday, according to Korean media and Coast Guard statements.
- The officer reportedly gave his life jacket to the man in his 70s and was swept away by waves during the swim to safety.
- A large search involving 21 patrol boats and two aircraft located the officer at 9:41 a.m. about 1.4 kilometers from the island, and resuscitation efforts failed.
- The bereaved family questioned why he was sent alone despite two personnel being on call and criticized the timing of additional deployments after flooding was detected by drone.
- The Coast Guard said he was dispatched to check the situation and has not confirmed whether he requested help; the rescued man was treated for hypothermia and is not in danger.