"Saved My Life by Oversleeping"... Goryeo-in Governor Who Escaped Russian Military Attack

On the 29th (local time), as a government building in Mykolaiv, southern Ukraine, collapsed due to a rocket artillery attack by Russian forces, a worker is seen looking at an excavator clearing the debris. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] Amid the deaths of many people caused by Russian military bombings at the Mykolaiv regional government building in Ukraine, Vitalii Kim, the governor and a descendant of Koreans, escaped harm thanks to oversleeping.

Earlier, the Ukrainian National Emergency Headquarters announced that around 8:45 a.m. on the 29th, Russian forces attacked a nine-story government building. The Emergency Headquarters stated in a press release, "The central part of the building from the 9th floor to the 1st floor was destroyed." So far, at least 12 people have died and 33 have been injured due to the attack.

The Mykolaiv regional government building is located in Mykolaiv, a strategic hub connected to Odesa, Ukraine's largest port.

According to The Times, Governor Kim of Mykolaiv, a primary target of the Russian forces, was not in his office during the attack because he overslept. He said, "They (the Russian forces) destroyed half of the building and even hit my office."

Until recently, he has been posting videos mocking Russia daily on social media from this office, gaining worldwide popularity.

Photo by Vitali Kim, Instagram capture

Meanwhile, over the past few weeks, Mykolaiv's defending soldiers have been holding off Russia's relentless offensives involving ground troops, fighter jets, helicopters, and missiles, but hundreds of civilians and soldiers have died, and residential buildings, schools, and hospitals have been destroyed in the process.

After attacking the regional government building, Russian forces attempted to advance from Voznesensk north of Mykolaiv city toward Mykolaiv but were stopped by Ukrainian troops, according to Colonel Oleksandr Lobos, head of Voznesensk defense.

Colonel Lobos said, "Unlike the early days of the war, Russian tanks and armored personnel carriers are now older and worn-out equipment," adding, "Russian soldiers appear confused, frightened, and disoriented."

He continued, "Although not all, we have destroyed many of their vehicles," and added, "They are no longer advancing and will not be able to capture Mykolaiv."

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