Unsung Heroes

[Anchor Lead]

There are elders who provide volunteer services out of view of the public eye. A new video series highlights the efforts of these unknown heroes. Let’s take a look.

[Pkg]

Hong Sa-seung is an elderly man from Namgajwa-dong. He is a Vietnam War veteran who is known as the "Binggrae grandfather" because he looks after his elderly neighbors. A senior citizens' hall in the neighborhood was also built thanks to Hong's efforts.

[Soundbite] Hong Sa-seung(71) : "At the time I didn't realize what it would mean. But once it was built, I knew I did the right thing."

Lee Min-hee, who turned 97, has several black-and-white pictures in a frame.

[Soundbite] Lee Min-hee (97) : "These photos were taken when I was very young, 23 years old."

These photos offer glimpses of her life full of hardships. She got married at the tender age of 16, and had to raise her four children and even take care of her sisters-in-law on her own because her husband was forced to work. From the story of an elderly man who volunteered all his life following in the footsteps of his father who perished in a war, to the story of a senior woman helping people cross the street safely in the morning. These videos were produced by college students and a local government to unearth the hidden heroes of their community.

[Soundbite] Hong Sa-seung(Seoul Resident) : "We are happy and grateful to receive these videos. It's beyond expression."

[Soundbite] Park Hyun-ji(College Student) : "It made us realize that each of these people has gone through a lot in their lives."

These videos about the lives of people who help others away from the public eye have moved the hearts of many.