Until the Day it Turns Green Again

The Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association is a purely private relief organization established in 1961, founded through the combined efforts of newspaper companies, broadcasting stations, and social organizations across the nation to help neighbors suffering from sudden disasters. It is the sole legal relief organization in Korea authorized to deliver monetary donations for natural disaster victims. Hope Bridge continues to carry out a variety of relief activities, including emergency relief during disasters, fundraising and distribution of donations, restoration of local communities, and support for vulnerable populations.

For 17 years, I have lived the life of a fundraiser, witnessing moments where the small seeds of goodwill in people's hearts blossom into donations. My time at Hope Bridge has been a special journey, connecting the hearts of donors who wish to stand by their neighbors with those whose lives have been upended by disaster. I will continue to walk this path with a grateful heart, never ceasing these warm strides toward a community where we all live together.

Seo Min-suk is a Senior Officer on the Protection Team at the Yangsan National Forest Station, part of the Korea Forest Service. With a decade of experience in handling forest fires, he still confronts every massive blaze with the same tension and focus as if it were his first.

He climbs the mountains again today, driven by a profound sense of duty—the belief that "this is a job someone has to do"—and the immense satisfaction that comes from accomplishing it. He earnestly appeals to the public to pay close attention to even the smallest ember to ensure that everyone can carry on with their daily lives in safety.