Kim Min-seok, the leader of the Democratic Party, apologized on the 17th regarding the controversial 'firefighter financial drain' comment made by Choo Mi-ae, the party-affiliated governor of Gyeonggi Province, and requested an apology from her as well.
In a statement to the media, Kim said, "On behalf of the party, I extend my deepest apologies to the firefighters and citizens who were hurt by the remarks of our party's governor," adding, "I have also requested a sincere apology from the individual involved."
He continued, "The party will take careful measures to ensure that such inappropriate comments from our public officials do not occur again in the future."
Following apologies from spokesperson Lee Yong-woo the previous day and floor spokesperson Lee Joo-hee on the same day, Kim took the initiative to apologize directly.
Earlier, on the 13th, during a National Assembly audit by the Administrative Safety Committee, Choo had sparked controversy by stating, "Firefighting seems to be the biggest financial drain."
The criticism against Choo has intensified following the death of firefighter Kim Jin-seok, who died while responding to a factory fire in Bucheon.
Kim expressed condolences regarding the passing of firefighter Kim, stating, "I offer my deepest condolences for Kim's eternal rest and extend my heartfelt sympathies to the firefighters and their families."
He added, "After completing my official schedule in Busan today and tomorrow, I will pay my respects."
Floor leader Han Byeong-do and Secretary-General Han Jeong-ae are scheduled to visit Kim's funeral at the Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital later in the afternoon.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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