The South Korean Consulate General in Wuhan recently issued a formal letter to Zhangjiajie City in Hunan Province, expressing profound respect for a bus driver who sacrificed his life to protect 11 South Korean tourists. The consulate extended heartfelt condolences to the driver’s family, as reported by the Zhangjiajie Daily on Thursday.
The incident came to light through local media coverage, which was also picked up by major South Korean news outlets. On the evening of June 29, Xiao Bo—a military veteran and bus driver—was transporting the tourists and a guide back to Zhangjiajie when he suddenly fell seriously ill near the Zhangnan Expressway viaduct in Yongshun County. Despite his deteriorating condition, Xiao managed to pull over, engage the handbrake, and secure the vehicle before losing consciousness. Tragically, he passed away on July 2 after three days of intensive medical treatment due to a brainstem hemorrhage.
In recognition of his selfless act, the Zhangjiajie municipal government posthumously awarded Xiao the title of “Zhangjiajie Good Samaritan,” sparking widespread public admiration.
The consulate’s letter also commended local travel agency representatives and staff for their unwavering commitment to tourist safety. Specifically, it praised Kim Sung-joon, a company representative, and tour guide Kim Kwang-il, who responded swiftly to the emergency, preventing further harm. The consulate highlighted their professionalism as a testament to cross-border respect for human life, attributing such standards to Zhangjiajie’s strong emphasis on traveler security.
The letter reaffirmed the consulate’s dedication to collaborating with Zhangjiajie authorities to further enhance safety protocols for South Korean visitors.
