{
  "id": 9072123,
  "title": "Melakong Bridge",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/melakong-bridge-9072123",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-22T03:27:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/opinion/20260922/melakong-bridge"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A small stone marker, measuring 60 centimeters in height and 30 centimeters in width, is found at the corner of the Mokpo train station in Mokpo City, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City. This marker commemorates the completion of the Melakong Bridge on April 20, 1964. The bridge's construction was overseen by Park Gil-su, a man dedicated to improving the lives of ordinary citizens.\n\nPrior to 1964, a stream adjacent to the Mokpo railway station presented significant challenges for train passengers. They were forced to take a lengthy detour, often leading to delays and accidents. In 1960, Park, then 32 years old, worked as a cargo worker at Mokpo Station. The stationmaster, who mistakenly perceived Park's likeness to a Japanese samurai’s henchman from a movie, dubbed him \"Melakong.\"\n\nRecognizing the difficulties faced by those traveling to the station, Park Gil-su took it upon himself to alleviate the situation. After consulting with the city mayor, he proposed the construction of a bridge. This marked the beginning of a transformative project that would soon change the lives of countless individuals, providing a safer and more efficient route to the Mokpo train station.",
  "summary": "A small marker stone, measuring 60 centimeters in height and 30 centimeter in width, is located at the corner of the Mokpo train station in Mokpo City, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City. The marker stone records the completion of the Melakong Bridge construction on April 20, 1964. That construction was achieved by a man named Park Gil-su. Before 1964, a stream next to the Mokpo railway…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Melakong Bridge",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/melakong-bridge",
        "published": "2026-09-22T03:17:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}