'Reverse Ha-young' Ryu Seung-yong joins narration for '1942 Josei Coal Mine' Submersion Accident Documentary

*This content was translated by AI.

EBS Docuprime '1942 Josei Coal Mine,' which tells the story of those who set out to uncover the truth buried beneath the sea alongside the 1942 Josei Coal Mine submersion accident, will air its two-part episode titled "Remember Us" on the 17th.

On February 3, 1942, the underwater 'Josei Coal Mine' located off the southwestern coast of Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, suddenly flooded. The accident claimed the lives of 183 coal miners, including 136 Koreans. For a long time afterward, the incident remained uninvestigated and was buried in history.

The first episode, broadcast on the 10th, traced the truth behind the submersion accident based on records from the time and featured stories of Japanese citizens and Korean family members who have worked tirelessly to uncover it. Through their efforts, the program conveyed the enduring pain of the victims that must never be forgotten, as well as the hearts of those committed to keeping their memory alive.

The second episode, airing on the 17th titled "Remember Us," will cover the underwater search launched after 85 years to locate the victims beneath the sea and another tragedy that unfolded during the process.

Inoue Yoko has spent 35 years refusing to give up on the Josei Coal Mine, striving to conduct underwater excavation of remains—a mission neither the Japanese nor Korean governments had attempted—to return the victims left in the sea to their families' arms.

Finally, a joint underwater investigation between Korea and Japan begins. Divers from both nations risk their lives entering the tunnels of the Josei Coal Mine. In pitch-black underwater tunnels, unstable rock formations that could collapse at any moment, and sediment layers accumulated over more than 80 years, the challenge to find the victims continues despite extreme conditions.

And finally, the first set of remains comes into view: a blackened skull and bones. As the seemingly impossible recovery of human remains becomes reality, governments from both Korea and Japan begin discussing DNA testing and identity verification procedures.

This news spread to countries around the world. Divers from Korea, Japan, and many other nations voluntarily gathered at the Josei Coal Mine. United by a single promise—to return the victims, whose names and faces were unknown, to their families—they plunged into the underwater tunnels.

However, an unexpected tragedy strikes again. Victor (Wei Xu), a Taiwanese diver who participated in the underwater search, dies from oxygen poisoning while diving. In the face of another loss, the underwater investigation is suspended entirely. Inoue Yoko now faces a critical decision: whether to halt the promise she has upheld for 35 years or to find safer methods and ultimately return the victims to their families' arms.

The program's narration is handled by actor Ryu Seung-yong. Ryu has consistently shown deep interest in Korea's historical issues, including participating in campaigns to raise awareness about forced labor during the Japanese colonial era and supporting descendants of independence activists. With his deep and sincere voice, he will vividly convey the tragedy of that day and the urgent moments of the remains recovery operation.

EBS Docuprime '1942 Josei Coal Mine,' Part 2 "Remember Us," will air on Monday, August 17 at 9:55 p.m. on EBS 1TV.

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*This content was translated by AI.