"Foolish Act" Lotte World Tower Barehand Climbing Criticized Overseas as Well

Previously Arrested for Building Climbing
"Reminds Me of Tom Cruise," Overseas Reactions Follow

News that a British man was rescued after climbing the Lotte World Tower in Seoul with his bare hands has sparked various reactions among overseas netizens.

King-Thompson climbing Lotte World Tower
Photo by Reader Provided

At around 9 a.m. on the 12th, the Songpa Fire Station in Seoul received a report stating, "A foreigner is climbing the west side of the Lotte World Tower with bare hands," and dispatched a team to rescue George King Thompson (24), a British national, who was resting on the 72nd floor.

The news spread worldwide through numerous overseas media outlets, including the British daily The Guardian, and social networking services (SNS).

According to The Guardian's report, Thompson was also arrested in 2019 for climbing 'The Shard' in London, one of the tallest buildings in Europe, without ropes or protective equipment.

At that time, he stated in court, "I regret it," and "I will never climb a building again," but it is known that he climbed the Lotte World Tower 3 years and 5 months after being released from prison.

On the morning of the 12th, a foreigner is climbing the Lotte World Tower in Jamsil, Seoul, with bare hands. / Provided by Songpa Fire Station, Seoul [Image source=Yonhap News]

Upon hearing this news, overseas netizens reacted through comments on articles shared on SNS, saying, "Is it worth saving a $20 admission fee like that?" and "Somewhat foolish behavior."

One netizen on Twitter recalled actor Tom Cruise, who used to climb high-rise buildings for movie shoots, saying, "Only Tom Cruise could do that."

Another overseas netizen expressed amazement, saying, "Did he climb all the way from the first floor to there? He looks like Spider-Man."

Meanwhile, Thompson showed signs of exhaustion briefly but has now recovered.

The police are investigating the specific purpose and circumstances of the climb.

The image of George King Thompson (24), who climbed 'The Shard,' a building located in London in the past [Photo by YouTube]

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