The opposition launched an attack on Governor Choo Mi-ae on October 18, criticizing her comments regarding the fallen firefighter.
Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, posted on Facebook, "This apology comes five days later and feels forced. Governor Choo remains arrogant to the end," adding, "Is this the only thing she has to apologize for?"
He continued, "The anger of Gyeonggi Province residents is sky-high. Since they want her to resign, she should resign."
Jung Jeom-sik, the floor leader of the People Power Party, also criticized her during a press conference related to the National Assembly's audit, stating, "An apology given only because someone else demanded it cannot be considered sincere. Doesn’t this indicate a lack of genuine remorse?"
Choo's earlier remarks during the Gyeonggi Province National Assembly audit, where she referred to firefighting as a "major financial drain," have also sparked controversy.
In response, Jang stated, "The real 'financial drain' is Choo Mi-ae herself. She takes away funds meant for children's meals and cuts support for teachers while moving into a 1.2 billion won official residence and buying a new car."
Jung further condemned her use of the term "financial drain," saying it undermines the noble sacrifice of firefighters and is unacceptable for a citizen to say.
A spokesperson for the Reform Party also commented, urging Choo to apologize sincerely, stating, "Dedicated firefighters are not financial drains."
Choo's comments on October 13 during the National Assembly audit, where she described firefighting as a "major financial drain," led to backlash. On October 17, at the funeral of the late firefighter Kim Jin-seok, who died in a factory fire in Bucheon, she expressed regret, saying, "If my comments were misunderstood, I sincerely apologize, and since you wish for an apology, I truly apologize from the heart."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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