A female bus driver, Lee Si-Young, is being hailed as a hero after saving the life of a Chinese international student who collapsed due to hypotensive shock while riding a local bus.
On the afternoon of March 21, around 3 p.m., a Chinese international student in her 20s, enrolled at Dankook University, suddenly lost consciousness and collapsed on Village Bus No. 24 while passing through Intersection in Bojeong-dong. Upon hearing the loud thud, Lee Si-Young (54), a driver for Hanbi Transportation, immediately stopped the bus and rushed to the student’s aid.
A fellow passenger helped secure the student's airway, while Lee quickly drove the bus to a nearby clinic capable of providing emergency care. Without hesitation, she carried the unconscious student on her back and ran toward the clinic, all within three minutes of the incident.
Dankook University students on board also assisted, supporting the student’s neck and massaging her cold hands and feet during the transfer. Thanks to the swift and calm response from both the bus driver and the students, the young woman was safely transported to the hospital and regained consciousness within two to three hours, making a full recovery.
In a gesture of deep gratitude, the student later presented Lee with a "锦旗"—a traditional red silk banner awarded in China to those who save lives. She also sent a heartfelt message, calling Lee her "savior" and expressing how thankful and fortunate she felt to meet such a warm-hearted person while studying abroad.
Reflecting on the incident, Lee said, “Seeing her collapse reminded me of my own two daughters in college. Acting with a mother's heart, I ran without a second's hesitation.” She added, “Ensuring the safety of Dankook University students during their commute is part of my duty. I’m honored to have been able to help, and I will continue to support students and citizens in times of need with courage.”