Coupang (CPNG), South Korea's leading e-commerce company, announced Monday that it is launching a "Hero Series" highlighting stories of workers who quietly carry out their duties while also protecting the safety of their neighbors.
The first hero featured in the series is Woo Seong-sik, a Quickflexer who discovered and extinguished an apartment fire in its early stages while making early-morning deliveries in Jeju last January, preventing major damage.
Woo, a Quickflexer affiliated with Jeju Cheonsang Logistics, spotted small plumes of smoke rising from the basement of an apartment building in Yeon-dong, Jeju City, at around 4:42 a.m. on January 12. Although the basement was not part of his delivery route, he did not pass by the scene. He extinguished the fire in its early stages and promptly called 119, Korea's emergency services.
Thanks to Woo's swift response and report, approximately 40 households living in the apartment were spared any casualties or property damage and could maintain their peaceful daily lives. Coupang Logistics Services (CLS) presented Woo with a plaque of appreciation and gift vouchers worth 1 million won at the CLS Jeju 1 Camp in Jeju City on January 27.
Jeju City also recognized Woo's contribution. Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Governor Oh Young-hun awarded him a commendation plaque in February.
Woo, a father of two, said he chose early-morning delivery shifts to spend daytime hours with his children. "I make early-morning deliveries three times a week. Delivering at night is convenient because there's no traffic, and the pay is decent, so I've been recommending it to many people around me," he said.
The video also features a scene in which five residents, including the apartment's resident representative, surprised Woo with letters of gratitude and gifts. "Thanks to his dedication in the face of danger, we were able to avoid a major disaster," the residents said.
A Coupang official said, "There are many warm-hearted heroes in the field who become a light in the world during emergencies." The official added, "We will continue to discover 'everyday heroes' around us and widely share their dedication."