Excellent comments and analysis. Most seem to agree that with better attention to problem avoidance in the first place, coupled with more equipment and supplies should a problem develop, the ending of this story would have been very different. However, I respect and understand Mr. Kim's decision in the end to try to hike out to save his family.

After one full week of waiting in the vehicle for rescue, it was probably reasonable from Kim's perspective to think that either any search had by then been called off, or that it was being conducted in the wrong area. Reasonable decisions made under stressful conditions in real time in the field with limited information at hand are not always the best decisions in 20-20 hindsight.

For Kim it was time for Plan B. I might have tried the same thing, the only difference being that I would have been better dressed and better equipped given where they were.

My condolences to Kim's family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.