YouTuber assists in reuniting man with family after followers identify him from missing person alert

A YouTube creator in South Korea played a crucial role in reconnecting a missing man with his family after encountering him unexpectedly while streaming live. The content creator, who goes by the name 2ro2, was broadcasting on the streets of Gwangju on November 21 when he engaged in a conversation with a man wearing a blue jacket.

During the brief interaction, the man claimed to be a 23-year-old university student, despite his appearance suggesting he was middle-aged. "My military service has been postponed," he told the streamer. Viewers of 2ro2, who has around 143,000 subscribers, quickly noticed that the man resembled a person listed in a missing-person alert released just a week prior.

The alert, issued locally on November 14, reported a 44-year-old man surnamed Kim, who had a cognitive disability and had been missing since earlier in the month. The man seen on the livestream matched the description, clothing, and location noted in the alert.

Recognizing the potential connection, 2ro2 contacted law enforcement while keeping the man engaged and responding gently to his statements to prevent him from wandering off. When the man chose to stop interacting, the streamer discreetly followed him at a distance and updated the police on his movements. Officers soon arrived, confirmed his identity as Mr. Kim, and safely returned him to his family.

The incident has highlighted South Korea's growing use of digital alerts and community involvement in locating vulnerable individuals. The country reports tens of thousands of missing-person cases each year. According to a government report released in May 2024, 49,624 people were reported missing, including 8,430 individuals with mental or cognitive disabilities. While most casesabout 95%are resolved within two days, authorities note that vulnerable adults and children require prompt action to prevent harm.

Since 2021, South Korea has been issuing localized missing-person alerts to residents in the area of a disappearance. Authorities say this targeted approach has improved recovery outcomes, though successful cases still depend heavily on public cooperation. Police did not provide further details on Mr. Kim's disappearance, but officials emphasized that the case demonstrates how digital platforms, community vigilance, and timely reporting can be vital in locating individuals with cognitive disabilities.

Author: Sophia Brooks