Opposition attacks Choo Mi-ae's apology over firefighter funding remark

South Korea's People Power Party renewed its criticism of Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae after she apologised for a remark describing firefighting as a troublesome drain on public finances. Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok (장동혁) called for her resignation in an October 18 social-media post, CBS NoCut News reported. Choo had apologised the previous day after visiting the funeral hall of firefighter Kim Jin-seok (김진석), who died after fighting a factory fire in Bucheon. [ 6 , 10 , 12 ]

Choo told reporters she regretted it if her meaning had been conveyed differently from her intention and said she was apologising wholeheartedly because an apology was wanted, according to Chosun Ilbo. She denied intending to disparage firefighters. Opposition spokespeople criticised the wording, arguing that it portrayed the apology as reluctant and shifted attention to her own explanation rather than acknowledging wrongdoing. [ 6 , 9 , 10 , 12 ]

Kukmin Ilbo also reported the provincial government's response. A provincial official said the remarks followed a request for an apology at the funeral hall and Choo's promise to apologise after paying respects. The official said there was no other meaning and called it inappropriate to turn part of a sincere apology into a political dispute. [ 6 ]

The controversy began with Choo's October 13 remarks during a parliamentary audit about local-government finances and firefighting costs. On October 16, People Power Party politicians demanded an apology and promised stronger support for firefighter safety in the following year's budget. Maeil Business reported that the party's Gyeonggi branch alleged cuts to firefighting-vehicle funding and a memorial-event budget, and demanded disclosure of final budget details. Newsis reported that Reform Party politician Lee Gi-in (이기인) also urged greater support for staffing, equipment, rest, treatment and recovery after injuries. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]