Story perspectives

Memorial Honors Rescuers as Station Safety Improves

1/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 26, 2001, Lee Soo-hyun and Shiro Sekine died at Shin Okubo station while trying to rescue a man who fell onto tracks.
Twenty-five years later, safety has improved with stations installing automatic barriers, though areas without safeguards still face alcohol-related incidents, per Masaki Maezono of Kurihama Medical Clinic.
A memorial service for the two rescuers was held, attended by South Korean students involved in a youth exchange program.

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Story summary

On January 26, 2001, Lee Soo-hyun and Shiro Sekine died at Shin Okubo station while trying to rescue a man who fell onto tracks.
Twenty-five years later, safety has improved with stations installing automatic barriers, though areas without safeguards still face alcohol-related incidents, per Masaki Maezono of Kurihama Medical Clinic.
A memorial service for the two rescuers was held, attended by South Korean students involved in a youth exchange program.