"I Heard Screams and Immediately Rode a Jet Ski"—Foreigner Who Rescued Middle School Student in Hangang River Turns Out to Be Former Actor

[Financial News]  A foreign man who spotted a middle school student in the Hangang River and immediately rode a jet ski to rescue the student has attracted attention after being identified as an actor who previously worked in Korean television.
According to an SBS report on the 18th, CCTV footage captured a man hurriedly riding a jet ski toward the Hangang River near World Cup Bridge at around 7:40 a.m. on the 14th.
The man had spotted a student who had jumped into the Hangang River and immediately moved to rescue the student.
A witness said, "He was riding a jet ski. He looked like a foreigner," adding, "When I zoomed in to take a picture, I realized he was an actor who had appeared in dramas."
The man who carried out the rescue was identified as American actor Michael Blunck, who previously appeared in the Korean dramas *Assorted Gems* and *New Tales of Gisaeng*, among others.
Michael explained what happened: "At around 7:41 or 7:42 a.m., I was walking near my office when I heard screams outside. When I went out, I saw only a head above the water, and it looked like the person was trying to swim."
He continued, "The student started speaking in English, and his English was really good. The student said, 'I'm really sorry for making you come out here. I'm really sorry,' so I said, 'No, it's okay. Don't worry about it.' Then I said, 'Hey, buddy, why did you do that?'" He added, "I tried to treat the student warmly, like a good older brother or uncle, by stroking the student's head and giving the student a light pat on the shoulder."
Fire authorities and the Han River Police Unit arrived at the scene after receiving the report and safely took the student into their care from Michael.
A fire department official said, "There were no issues with the student's consciousness or breathing," adding, "The student was taken into custody at Han River Police Station and handed over to emergency medical services."
Michael, who saved a precious life in a moment of crisis, left the student with some heartfelt words.
He said, "I hope the student feels loved by family, friends and teachers," adding, "I hope the student is happy."
Michael is currently known to work for a bottle manufacturing company after leaving the entertainment industry.
[email protected] Kim Su-yeon Reporter