(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Jeong-jin and Noh Seon-woong = Amid controversy after Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae of the Democratic Party of Korea made the so-called 'firefighting financial straw' statement, the Democratic Party officially apologized before Governor Chu on the 16th.
The Democratic Party issued a comment in the name of spokesperson Lee Yong-woo that day, saying, "The dedication of firefighters who protect the lives and safety of the people deserves respect," and "We sincerely apologize to the firefighters and their families who were hurt by the expressions used by Governor Chu."
He continued, “Even if the intention was to explain the difficulties of local finances, we take seriously the fact that we did not sufficiently recognize the hard work and pride of firefighters who silently carry out their duties in dangerous sites,” and added, “We will also look back to see whether we have sufficiently recognized the firefighters’ hard work and provided appropriate support.”
The Democratic Party also emphasized that it will strive to expand support during next year's budget review, saying, "We will strive to secure the budget necessary to expand support for the safety of firefighters, expand manpower and equipment, and improve working conditions and treatment."
Previously, on the 13th, Governor Chu mentioned the financial problems of local governments in the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee's audit of Gyeonggi Province's government affairs, and mentioned the budget related to firefighters, a national service, and said, "Firefighting is like a financial straw that causes the biggest headache."
In response, Gyeonggi Province explained on the 15th, "The purpose of this statement is to emphasize that even though firefighters have been converted to national service, local governments are responsible for most of the related finances and the proportion of government support is decreasing."
On this day, Governor Chu visited the site of a fire at a factory in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, where casualties were suffered, including one firefighter being taken to the hospital due to cardiac arrest, and said, "We will make every effort to treat and recover the injured firefighters," but did not comment on the 'fiscal straw' statement.
The Democratic Party's apology comment came amid a confrontation between Representative Kim Min-seok and Governor Chu over the so-called prosecution reform issue.
Governor Chu, a hardliner within the Democratic Party, recently publicly opposed the appointment of Kim Ji-yong as head of the Serious Crimes Investigation Office and criticized President Lee Jae-myung, while Representative Kim Min-seok has kept the criticism in check by sending out the message, "Criticism must be done in the most appropriate manner appropriate to the position and role while doing one's job."
The People Power Party launched an onslaught on Governor Chu’s ‘straw’ remarks.
Secretary-General Jeong Hee-yong said at the party meeting, "Are firefighters who risk their lives on the scene to save the lives of the people 'costs eating up the finances'?" and added, "Please immediately and sincerely apologize for the remarks that hurt the honor of firefighters, and take responsibility for securing stable financial resources for the fire department budget."
In a Facebook post, Rep. Park Dae-chul directly criticized Choo Mi-ae's 'luxurious official residence' of 1.2 billion won, which is the price of 60,000 fire extinguishers.
He also expressed regret that firefighters suffered serious injuries in a fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi-do, and wrote, "I cannot imagine how the firefighters and their families who risked their lives and jumped into the fire must be feeling while hearing such absurd remarks from the governor."
Floor leader Jeong Jeong-sik said on social media, "It is an important responsibility of the political world to protect the honor of firefighters who devote themselves to the people with a sense of duty and pride," and added, "The People Power Party will reflect in next year's budget to provide greater support for the safe work activities of firefighters and further strengthen the respect for their dedication to risking their lives."
