Gwangju FC Players and Staff Honored by K League for Rescuing Driver from Burning Car

A K League 1 Gwangju FC player and staff members who rescued a driver from a burning car following a traffic accident on their way back from an away match have received commendations from the Korea Professional Football League (K League).

The K League announced that it held its 5th Disciplinary Committee and decided to award commendations for good deeds to Gwangju midfielder Shin Chang-mu, Icelandic forward Aron Elís Þrándarson (Friðjónsson), trainer Lee In-sung, and staff member Kim Jong-moon.

The individuals were returning to Gwangju on the team bus after an away match against Bucheon FC in K League 1 on the 8th. At around 2:30 a.m. on the 9th, a collision occurred between a truck and a passenger car right in front of the team bus, prompting them to step in and conduct a direct rescue operation.

The accident caused the truck to overturn and a fire to break out in the passenger car, creating a dangerous situation that could have led to secondary accidents.

After the team bus stopped, Shin Chang-mu approached the wrecked vehicle to check on the driver's condition.

Friðjónsson and trainer Lee In-sung then joined in, pulling the driver out of the vehicle together.

Staff member Kim Jong-moon used a fire extinguisher from the team bus to carry out initial suppression of the fire on the passenger car.

Subsequently, the team monitored the rescued driver's condition and handed them over to firefighters who arrived at the scene.

The good deeds of the Gwangju players and staff became known through YouTube videos and media reports.

The Disciplinary Committee explained the background of the commendation, stating, "The Gwangju players and staff did not turn a blind eye to someone in danger, promptly stepped in to conduct a rescue, and contributed to preventing casualties. They have elevated the status of the K League by setting a exemplary standard with their strong civic consciousness."

(Photo: Screen capture from Han Moon-chul TV, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.