SBS 'Kkokomu' Highlights Heroic Battles Against South Korea's Worst Wildfire

SBS's 'Kkokomu' sheds light on the harrowing stories of those who risked their lives battling South Korea's worst wildfire, the 'Gyeongbuk Wildfire'.

Airing today (9th), 'The Story of the Day Biting Its Tail' ('Kkokomu') presents the episode <2025 Red Monster>, featuring survivors who recount the catastrophic disaster and the brave individuals who fought the flames to save others. Former national skeleton athlete Yoon Sung-bin, actress Kim Yoo-mi, and The Boyz's Younghoon join as listeners.

In March 2025, South Korea experienced its worst wildfire in history. The 'Gyeongbuk Wildfire' spread across Gyeongbuk regions such as Uiseong, Andong, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok, consuming forests and villages equivalent to 1.6 times the size of Seoul, resulting in countless people losing their homes and loved ones.

'Kkokomu' features testimonies from those who fought the wildfire, describing the inferno as akin to being in hell. A fisherman who witnessed the village engulfed in flames, with fire pillars and embers flying, and thick smoke obscuring vision, vividly recounts, "It felt like hell." Upon viewing footage of the disaster, Jang Sung-kyu expresses fear, stating, "This is what hellfire looks like."

The tear-jerking testimonies of wildfire monitors and firefighters who risked their lives to extinguish the blaze are shared. The Gyeongbuk 119 Special Response Team leader's radio message, "Brace yourselves and make a call to your families," conveys the dire and tense situation. A wildfire monitor's story evokes deep emotion; while battling flames in Uiseong, the fire spread to his hometown Yeongdeok, where his family was. As he rushed back to save them, he lost contact, causing concern in the studio.

Kim Yoo-mi, moved by the story, says, "I would have run to my family too," shedding tears. The Boyz's Younghoon confesses, "I would live with a heart full of sorrow forever," while Yoon Sung-bin admits, "I can't even imagine," feeling overwhelmed by the grief of the bereaved.

The tragic circumstances of South Korea's worst wildfire, the 'Gyeongbuk Wildfire', and the stories of heroes like fishermen, wildfire monitors, firefighters, and coast guards who risked their lives to protect others can be seen on the main broadcast of 'Kkokomu'.

'Kkokomu' is a program where three storytellers share their insights with their 'story friends' in the most everyday settings, airing every Thursday at 10:20 PM on SBS.

Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr