This Korean Actor Is Now Hailed As A Hero After He Saved A Drunk Man From Killing Himself

​South Korean actor Lee Yi Kyung has become a hero in the eyes of netizens after he was revealed to have saved a drunk man from taking his own life on March 18. The story broke in the South Korean press and Yi Kyung has become one of the most-discussed people on the country's social media.

According to reports, an intoxicated man tried to throw himself in front of a moving truck on the Hannam Bridge, a busy girder bridge that runs above the Han River and connects neighbourhoods such as Gangnam and Yongsan. The truck driver managed to stop his vehicle in time but the drunk man, who was unarmed, continued to walk along the bridge and attempted to place himself in front of other vehicles.

The 31-year-old actor, whose car happened to be just behind the truck, decided to get out of his car to help the truck driver as he was having trouble holding the drunk person back.

A witness shared that Lee Yi Kyung “held on to the drunk person for a long time before help arrived."

"[The drunk man] kept trying to walk in front of other vehicles, or jump off the bridge. The other drivers on the road seemed afraid and stayed in their cars. Lee Yi Kyung was the only person who didn’t hesitate to help. When he saw the man shivering, he also took off his coat for him and stayed with him until emergency services arrived,” the witness added.

While Lee Yi Kyung has not responded directly to the reports, his label has confirmed that the actor was involved in the incident, and that he made the quick decision to get out of his car as the situation seemed volatile.

​Netizens were impressed by Yi Kyung's actions, with one writing, “He’s such a worthy ambassador for the Korean emergency response hotline. I respect him for his bravery and I regard him as a hero.” Another added, “We’ve been seeing a lot of negative news recently and seeing something like this has made my day. I’m very proud that a young man like that exists.”

Lee Yi Kyung has played supporting roles in blockbusters such as My Love From The Star and Descendants Of The Sun but recently started getting more prominent roles in dramas like Welcome to Waikiki and Partners For Justice.