Democratic Party Apologizes for Choo Mi-ae's "Fiscal Drain" Remark on Fire Service: "We Take Firefighters' Hurt Seriously"

The Democratic Party of Korea formally apologized on the 16th over controversy surrounding Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae’s remark describing the fire service as a so-called “fiscal drain.” As firefighters continued to protest, the party expressed regret and said it would expand support to improve firefighters’ working conditions during its review of next year’s budget.

In a written briefing that day, Democratic Party spokesperson Lee Yong-woo said, “I sincerely apologize to the firefighters and their families who were hurt by the expression Governor Choo Mi-ae used while explaining fire service finances.”

(Bucheon=Yonhap) Reporter Cheon Jeongin = Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae comforts a firefighter mourning a colleague who was injured in a fire at a metal-painting factory in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, on the 16th. 2026.10.16 iny@yna.co.kr (End)

“Even if the remark was intended to explain the difficulties facing local finances, we take seriously the fact that it did not sufficiently recognize the hard work and pride of firefighters who quietly fulfill their duties in dangerous settings,” Lee said.

On October 13, during the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee’s audit of Gyeonggi Province, Rep. Kwon Young-jin of the People Power Party pointed to the need for greater government funding for fire service finances. Governor Choo replied, “As you said, the fire service seems like the biggest fiscal drain.” She added, “Personnel expenses alone will consume KRW 1.1 trillion in 2027, and project expenses amount to around KRW 500 billion.”

After the remarks became public, the Korean Firefighters Union, affiliated with the Federation of Korean Trade Unions, and the Firefighters Headquarters of the Korean Government Employees’ Union called for a formal apology, saying the comments disparaged firefighters’ dedication and damaged their honor. Gyeonggi Province responded that the governor had intended to point out a system in which local governments shoulder most of the financial burden, even though firefighters had been transferred to national government employment.

Governor Choo also visited the scene of a fire at a painting factory in Ojeong-gu, Bucheon, that day. Seven people, including five firefighters, were injured in the fire. One of the two firefighters who suffered serious injuries was reported to be in critical condition.

At the scene, Governor Choo said, “First, I would like to thank the firefighters for their courage, dedication and hard work. I am deeply shocked and saddened that two firefighters were seriously injured, with one in critical condition.” She added that every effort would be made to ensure the injured firefighters receive treatment and recover.

The Democratic Party said it would improve the structure of fire service budgets, which remains dependent on local finances even after firefighters were transferred to national government employment. “Even after the transfer to national government employment, fire service budgets, including personnel expenses, still depend heavily on local finances,” Lee said. “The share funded by the national government rose for a time after the transfer, but has since fallen again.”

“We will carefully address the remaining challenges in funding and working conditions so that the purpose of the transfer to national government employment is realized on the ground,” Lee emphasized. “Alongside expanding support for firefighter safety, we will work to secure the budget needed to increase staffing and equipment and improve working conditions and treatment.”

Lee added, “We will listen to the voices of firefighters on the ground, identify what is lacking, and work to ensure that the review of next year’s budget leads to tangible support.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.