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A group of sixth-graders in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province have touched the nation by holding a "no-loser" race for an ailing friend.
The four students of Jeil Elementary School secretly organized the race in honor of their friend Kim Ki-gook, who suffers from achondrogenesis, a disorder that affects cartilage and bone development.
The four students said their friend was always finishing last during school races.
They did not, however, let Kim know about their plan in advance. In fact, they began the hurdle race normally, sprinting at the sound of the starter's pistol and leaving their friend behind.
But when the faster boys approached the finish line, they stopped, turned around, and looked back at their friend.
The four stayed in their places until Kim stepped over the last hurdle. Then they all walked hand-in-hand across the finish line.
Teachers and parents applauded, some in tears.
A photo showing Kim wiping away tears has gone viral online.
"The boys wanted to prepare something special for their friend, and asked the teachers to plan this before the sports event," Jeil Elementary School principal Hong Jung-pyo said.
Kim's father, Kim Dae-yeol, provided the moving photo to Yonhap News Agency on October 8th. It was taken by a visitor that happened to stop by the event.
"I was speechless," the elder Kim said."I'm so grateful that they came up with such an amazing way to help my son finish the race."
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