25 Years On, Tokyo Honors Korean Student’s Sacrifice in Train Track Rescue
TOKYO – A quarter-century after a tragic accident at Shin-Okubo Station, Tokyo residents and South Korean officials gathered Monday to commemorate the bravery of Lee Soo-hyun, a Korean exchange student who died attempting to save a man who fell onto the train tracks. The memorial served as a poignant reminder of the enduring ties between South Korea and Japan, and the power of selfless action.
The incident, which occurred on January 26, 2001, claimed the lives of both Lee, 22, and Sekine, a Japanese man, as they were struck by a train while trying to rescue a commuter who had fallen onto the tracks. The event resonated deeply in both countries, sparking widespread grief and admiration for the two men’s courage.
Monday’s commemorations began with a wreath-laying ceremony at Shin-Okubo Station, attended by Lee’s mother, Shin Yun-chan, and South Korean Ambassador Lee Hyuk. Due to safety concerns within the station, the ceremony was kept relatively small, organizers said.
“The sacrifice of Lee Soo-hyun and Mr. Sekine embodies the true meaning of friendship and solidarity,” Ambassador Lee stated in a eulogy, noting the significance of this year marking the 60th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan. The normalization, achieved in 1965, followed a period of strained relations stemming from Japan’s colonial rule of Korea.
Later, a cultural festival was held at the Okubo Community Center in Shinjuku Ward, featuring traditional Korean dance and Japanese music. The event, hosted by the Shinjuku Korean Merchants Association and organized by the LSH Asia Scholarship Foundation, also included a public floral tribute and a tea gathering for bereaved families.
The LSH Asia Scholarship Foundation, established in 2002 in Lee’s honor, has since provided scholarships to 1,294 students, fostering educational exchange and promoting intercultural understanding. Yoshinori Katori, chairman of the foundation, emphasized the ongoing commitment to Lee’s legacy.
“Lee Soo-hyun’s actions continue to inspire our ward’s dedication to multicultural coexistence,” said a Shinjuku Ward official. The incident has become a symbol of the city’s commitment to inclusivity and international cooperation.
Shin Yun-chan, Lee’s mother, expressed hope for a stronger future between South Korea and Japan. “I hope South Korea and Japan will move forward as true neighbors, helping each other,” she said in a message read during the program.
The tragedy at Shin-Okubo Station continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the shared humanity that transcends national borders. The event highlights the importance of international cooperation and the enduring impact of individual acts of bravery.
Source: Asia Today, translated by UPI
Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260126010012266
