Gwangju City Council Members Demand Cancellation of Reimbursement Claim for Search Costs of the Late Captain Kim Hong-bin

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Recently, Gwangju Metropolitan Council members have immediately called for the cancellation of the government's claim for reimbursement of 68 million KRW in search and rescue costs from the Gwangju Metropolitan City Mountaineering Federation related to the late Captain Kim Hong-bin.

According to the Gwangju City Council on the 24th, the council members issued a statement demanding the cancellation of the reimbursement claim and the prompt passage of the ‘Partial Amendment to the Consular Assistance Act’ in the National Assembly, which would exempt costs incurred from overseas emergencies during activities aimed at promoting national prestige.

They also insisted that President Yoon Suk-yeol should instruct the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately stop the petty reimbursement claim and establish measures to prevent recurrence.

They said, “The late Captain Kim Hong-bin, despite having no ten fingers, conquered Broad Peak, which has an altitude of 8,047 meters, on July 18 last year, but tragically became a star of the Himalayas after suffering an accident while descending.”

They continued, “Captain Kim’s climb gave great strength to the people suffering from COVID-19 at the time and became an example not only for Korea but for the whole world. Therefore, the government posthumously awarded him the Blue Dragon Medal, a first-class sports medal, for promoting national prestige, and in December last year, he was also selected as the 2021 Korea Sports Hero. His life and challenges as the first person with a disability to conquer all 14 Himalayan peaks symbolized not personal glory but the great steps carrying the dreams and hopes of the people, representing indomitable challenge, hope, and courage that do not yield to disability.”

They added, “Even if the reimbursement claim is administratively valid, it is a premature judgment that does not comprehensively consider Captain Kim’s life, the circumstances, and the significance at the time. The claim for reimbursement of rescue costs must be canceled without fail, as it is the duty of the state and a responsibility to its citizens.”

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