tvN 'You Quiz on the Block' highlighted the efforts of the special wildfire disaster response team, which fought against the flames at the largest wildfire site in South Korean history to protect the people.
On the 9th, during the broadcast of 'You Quiz on the Block' (directed by Kwak Cheong-a and Hong Jin-joo, writer Lee Eon-joo), episode 288 titled 'Desperate Struggle,' stories of people who fought desperately in their respective fields were revealed, capturing attention. Lawyer Jeong Gyeong-seok, who caught the country's first anonymous cyber defamer, actress Moon Ga-young, savings expert Kwak Ji-hyun, and DAEWON members Kim Woo-young and Kang Min-seong met with Yoo Jae-seok and Cho Sae-ho to share diverse talks. That day's broadcast ranked first in the viewer ratings among all channels during the same time slot in the target demographic of men and women aged 20-49, including terrestrial broadcasting (Nielsen Korea, based on paid platforms).
Among them, the stories of the 'national heroes' from the wildfire disaster response team, who fought at the forefront of the worst wildfire in history, have garnered high praise from viewers. Large wildfires that erupted simultaneously in the Yeongnam region in March burned an area equivalent to about 80% of the city of Seoul, marking it as the largest disaster recorded. Approximately 37,000 people were displaced, with damages reaching around 1 trillion won, and it will take over 100 years for ecological restoration.
Kim Woo-young and Kang Min-seong were the heroes who first jumped into the heart of the flames, dragging approximately 20 kg of hoses at the wildfire site, which had the highest damage scale in history. The two shared terrifying moments as they battled the fire with water from the hoses while enduring the extreme heat of 1,200 degrees that singed their hair and eyebrows. The scene of their frantic efforts to evacuate local residents also added to the impact.
The members noted that the cause of the wildfire in Uiseong, Gyeongbuk, is presumed to be due to a ritualistic fire incident. In response, Yoo Jae-seok said, "This wasn't a natural occurrence but rather a result of human error. A momentary mistake led to the burning of forests, causing immense damage and leaving many without a place to return home. I am frustrated and heartbroken."
After 213 hours and 34 minutes of hellish struggle, the main firefighting efforts were concluded. However, there were also unfortunate sacrifices during the firefighting process. The members, commemorating the deceased who lost their lives in a helicopter crash during firefighting, expressed, "We feel sorry and grateful, and this is something we will never forget," as tears welled up in their eyes. They continued, "Since we are also exposed to such environments, it feels personal. We are filled with a sense of mission to ensure that the sacrifices are not in vain, and we will work hard until we can double the effort in honor of those who have passed." The two donated the prize money they won from the quiz to a fund for wildfire victims in Gyeongbuk.
On that day, 'You Quiz' provided a profound resonance by shining a light on the heroes who protected the people at the forefront of the worst wildfire in South Korean history. Yoo Jae-seok stated, "For this wildfire, the special wildfire disaster response team, the aerial firefighting team, firefighters, local government officials, and many military personnel and police officers have all devoted their utmost efforts to firefighting. I sincerely thank you all for your hard work." After the broadcast, viewers reacted with comments such as, "This brings me to tears," "I am grateful and respect those who risk their lives to work," and "I hope the treatment of the DAEWON members is improved."
The stories of other guests engaged in 'desperate struggles' also captivated interest. That day's broadcast featured lawyer Jang Gyeong-seok, who caught a cyber defamer who maliciously spread fake news about IVE member Jang Won-young, addressing the issue of harmful comments stemming from fake news. He detailed the process of bringing the cyber defamer to court after an unwavering determination that even reached U.S. and Japanese laws, revealing that the cyber defamer purchased a villa with YouTube channel revenue, and stated, "This is essentially crime proceeds. Now, we will confiscate all the proceeds and separately impose a liability for damages, as well as fines. If caught, they will face total ruin."
Meanwhile, 'savings expert' Kwak Ji-hyun caught attention with her exceptional savings know-how. She shared her journey of saving 100 million won by the age of 24, starting with a minimum wage salary of 1.52 million won, and reaching 200 million won by age 26, along with outstanding savings secrets like app technology that surprised many. Veteran actress Moon Ga-young, who was cast as a child model for a children's clothing advertisement at the age of 5 on the streets of Germany, also shared her fierce experiences as a child actress and her unique beliefs about 'waiting.'
Next week's broadcast will feature actor Park Hae-joon, who portrays extreme characters, 10-year-old Jeong Tae-woon, who saved his mother with CPR, and the real-life protagonist of the movie 'Winning', world-renowned Go genius Cho Hun-hyeon, building anticipation. tvN 'You Quiz on the Block' airs every Wednesday at 8:45 p.m.
[Photo] tvN
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