Gwangju Mayor Lee Yong-seop's Comprehensive Efforts in Search for Captain Kim Hong-bin

Request for Cooperation from Cheongwadae and Chinese Government

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Lee Yong-seop, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, has requested the Blue House and the Chinese government to actively cooperate in the search for Captain Kim Hong-bin.

According to Gwangju City on the 23rd, Mayor Lee once again requested prompt and active cooperation from the Blue House and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Blue House and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that they are making all-out efforts as a special presidential directive regarding this matter.

Also, they requested Zhang Chenggang (?承?), the Chinese Consul General in Gwangju, to ask the Chinese government for swift border-crossing permission, and Consul General Zhang conveyed this intention to the Chinese government.

In response, the Chinese government replied that two helicopters and five rescue team members have been urgently dispatched to the site to ensure Captain Kim’s rescue, and that the Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is actively involved, making their best efforts.

Mayor Lee also met with Captain Kim’s wife that morning.

Captain Kim’s wife requested, “Please grant permission from the Chinese side so that the rescue helicopter can take off as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed Gwangju City around 1:30 PM (Korean time) that the Pakistani government has notified the Korean Embassy in Pakistan that the Chinese government has approved the Pakistani rescue helicopter’s entry into Chinese airspace regarding the search and rescue activities for Captain Kim Hong-bin.

Rescue operations using the helicopter are expected to commence as soon as weather conditions permit.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.