Rival parties on the 17th expressed deep condolences over the death of a firefighter killed while battling a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, even as they continued to trade attacks. The Democratic Party of Korea bowed in apology over Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae's recent remark describing the fire service as a "fiscal straw," while the People Power Party criticized the party for apologizing on her behalf and demanded that Choo do so herself.
Lee Ju-hee, the Democratic Party's floor spokesperson, said in a written briefing that day, "We bow our heads in tribute to the dedication of the deceased, who did not return after protecting the lives and safety of the people." She added, "We are at a loss for words to the bereaved family and fellow firefighters, who are bearing a grief heavier than anyone else's."
On Choo's remark, Lee said, "We sincerely apologize once again to the firefighters and their families who were hurt," adding, "We take seriously our failure to fully appreciate the labor and pride of those who quietly fulfill their duties at dangerous scenes."
"Protecting the lives and safety of firefighters who safeguard the public is a basic duty of the state," she said. "In the upcoming budget review, the Democratic Party will secure the funding needed to expand firefighting personnel and equipment and to improve working conditions and pay."
Choo drew controversy on the 13th when she said at a parliamentary audit by the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee that "the fire service seems like the biggest, most troublesome fiscal straw."
The People Power Party strongly criticized the Democratic Party's apology on Choo's behalf and said she should be held accountable.
PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk wrote on social media that day that the firefighter "was the first to rush into the flames and suffered harm as a result. It is so painful." He added, "Investment in the fire service is not only for firefighters. It is the most basic investment in protecting public safety."
"Governor Choo still has not apologized for her outrageous 'fiscal straw' remark. Do you feel no guilt at all before a firefighter's death, before the tears of firefighters she turned her back on?" he said. "The People Power Party will review the reality of the firefighting budget from scratch and prepare a proper alternative."
Park Sung-hoon, the PPP's chief spokesperson, said in a commentary that "a bizarre farce unfolded in which the Democratic Party ended up apologizing by proxy after the person responsible failed to offer a genuine apology."
Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok died while fighting a fire that broke out the previous day at a paint factory in Ojeong District, Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. Kim, who was deployed with the first-arriving unit, was critically injured while battling the blaze and was taken to a hospital, where he died that day.