Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, publicly urged Governor Choo Mi-ae of Gyeonggi Province to apologize regarding the recent controversy over her comments about firefighting finances.
During an appearance on the Democratic Party's YouTube channel 'Minty07' on October 19, Kim stated, "I have openly requested that the individual involved offer an apology. We have explained in various ways that it would be beneficial for the party if an apology were made." He added, "As Choo is a public official representing the Democratic Party, I also feel the need to apologize on behalf of the party."
Kim emphasized, "Above all, it is crucial to understand the public's feelings and to make every effort until their concerns are alleviated."
The controversy began when Choo, during a National Assembly audit on October 13, referred to firefighting as a "financial siphon" and argued that the national funding ratio should be increased due to the transition of firefighters to national status.
Following the backlash, Choo expressed regret on October 17, stating, "If my comments were conveyed differently than intended, I sincerely apologize as requested." However, this response was criticized by opposition parties, including the People Power Party, as inadequate.
In response, Kim and party spokesperson Lee Yong-woo issued apologies on behalf of the party, stating, "We deeply apologize to the firefighters and citizens who were hurt by the remarks made by our party's governor," and "I sincerely apologize to the firefighters and their families who were affected by the expressions used by Governor Choo."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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