In today’s society, many people enjoy sports and leisure activities without realizing the potential dangers they may face. Particularly among young people, reckless challenges or momentary misjudgments can lead to life-altering accidents. This article explores the real-life case of a 25-year-old man who became paralyzed from the waist down due to a simple diving accident, highlighting how dangerous actions can have severe consequences.
1. A Normal Day That Turned Into a Tragedy
Kim Yoo-hyun (alias) is a 25-year-old young man who suffered a severe spinal cord injury two years ago due to a diving accident, resulting in paralysis from the chest down.
At the time, he was serving in the military and had taken leave to enjoy a summer vacation with friends at a pension. While swimming in the pool, he got caught up in the excitement and attempted a dive—an action that drastically changed his life.
The pool was only about 1 meter deep, just above the waist level, but he misjudged the depth and dove in headfirst. Upon impact, he struck the bottom of the pool with his head, shattering his C5, C6, and C7 vertebrae. This caused severe nerve damage, leaving him instantly paralyzed below the chest.
Floating in the water, he realized he had no sensation from the chest down and experienced extreme panic. With the help of his friend, he managed to resurface, but he was unable to move his body. He was immediately rushed to the hospital.
2. The Critical Moments After the Accident and Hospitalization
On the way to the hospital in an ambulance, he asked the paramedics, “Do you see cases like mine often?” but received no clear response. At that moment, he realized how serious his condition was.
Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors informed his parents that emergency surgery was necessary and warned that there was a risk he might not survive the operation. Fortunately, the surgery was successful, but when he woke up, he discovered that he was completely paralyzed from the chest down.
During the early stages of recovery, he suffered from severe hallucinations and disorientation due to the strong medication. He was unable to breathe on his own, speak, or even drink water. After spending three days in intensive care, he was transferred to a general ward, where he spent a month completely bedridden, unable to move.
3. The Long Road to Rehabilitation and Adjusting to a New Life
He underwent 10 months of rehabilitation therapy, where he had to relearn even the most basic physical movements:
- Turning Over in Bed
- One of the biggest risks for spinal cord injury patients is bedsores (pressure ulcers).
- Since he could not move independently, he had to learn how to shift his body using his arms.
- Moving Between a Wheelchair and a Bed
- Simple tasks like transferring from a wheelchair to a bed required extensive training.
- Overcoming Orthostatic Hypotension
- Due to prolonged bed rest, his blood pressure would drop dangerously low whenever he sat up, causing him to faint.
At first, even small movements were impossible. However, through intense rehabilitation, he slowly regained some abilities. Nevertheless, there were still many things he could not do, leading him to experience severe depression.
He later learned that most spinal cord injury patients are prescribed antidepressants before any other medication because they must face the reality that they may never walk again.
4. Facing Harsh Realities in Daily Life
After being discharged from the hospital, he encountered numerous challenges in society that he had never noticed before.
1) Challenges When Going Out
- He had to research accessible restrooms before leaving home.
- Many places lacked disabled parking spots, making it difficult to exit his vehicle.
- Even small curbs or steep sidewalks made mobility extremely difficult.
- Doors that were not automatic were nearly impossible for him to open alone.
2) Difficulties in Restaurants and Public Spaces
- Self-service kiosks were often placed too high, making it hard for wheelchair users to order food.
- Many restaurants were too cramped to accommodate a wheelchair.
- The lack of accessible restrooms meant he sometimes had to return home early.
3) South Korea’s Lack of Accessibility for Disabled People
During his international travels, he realized that South Korea is one of the most difficult countries for disabled individuals to live in.
- In the UK, an entire elevator system was installed in a school building for just one wheelchair-using teacher.
- In the US, even in small rural areas, accessible restrooms are standard, whereas in Korea, one must search online to find one.
- Many developed countries have better facilities for disabled individuals, whereas South Korea still has significant accessibility issues.
5. How to Prevent Such Accidents: Safety Guidelines
Kim Yoo-hyun’s case serves as a warning that a single moment of recklessness can change a person’s life forever. Here are some essential safety measures to prevent similar accidents:
- Always check the depth of the pool before diving.
- Wear neck protection when engaging in high-risk diving activities.
- Avoid consuming alcohol before engaging in physical activities.
- Think carefully before making impulsive decisions.
Even a small miscalculation can lead to irreversible consequences. By taking a cautious approach and following safety rules, we can prevent tragic accidents.
Conclusion: A Small Mistake Can Change Your Life Forever
Kim Yoo-hyun’s story is a reminder that a split-second decision can have lifelong consequences. However, despite his disability, he continues to adapt and live a fulfilling life.
His case is not just about an “unlucky accident”—it’s a lesson for all of us to be aware of the risks we face in daily life. Anyone can make a mistake, but many accidents are preventable with proper caution.
We must always prioritize safety over momentary thrills. The thought “That won’t happen to me” is the most dangerous mindset of all.
