Michael Blunck rescues student from Hangang River

Michael Blunck, an American former actor and wakeboarder, rescued a middle school student from the Hangang River in Seoul on the morning of September 14. While walking near his riverside office around 7:40 a.m., Blunck heard screams and observed a person struggling in the water near the World Cup Bridge.

Blunck utilized a jet ski to reach the student and pull him from the river. CCTV footage captured the rescue before Blunck handed the boy over to arriving emergency responders. Fire officials reported that the student was conscious and breathing normally when he was taken into medical care.

Blunck, who previously appeared in South Korean dramas such as ‘Assorted Gems’ and ‘New Tales of Gisaeng,’ described attempting to reassure the boy during the rescue by acting like ‘a good big brother, or an uncle.’ The student reportedly apologized to Blunck for the incident, to which the actor offered encouragement. Blunck, who has since transitioned from the entertainment industry to working for a bottle manufacturer, expressed his hope that the student would feel supported by his family and community.