Ruling and Opposition Parties Mourn Fire Lieutenant Kim Jinseok: "We Will Work to Improve Firefighters' Working Conditions"

On October 17, both the ruling and opposition parties mourned the late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jinseok, who died in the line of duty while fighting a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, and pledged to improve firefighters' working conditions.

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, wrote on Facebook that day, "I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family, who are facing a profound grief beyond measure or comfort," adding, "I will do my part to ensure that the family receives support and that the late lieutenant is accorded the respect befitting his noble sacrifice." He continued, "I will devote greater policy efforts to creating a safer working environment for firefighters and strengthening support for them."

Floor Leader Han Byeongdo also wrote on Facebook, "It is the state's solemn duty to accord firefighters the respect befitting their sacrifice and dedication," adding, "The Democratic Party will work to support improved safety and working conditions so that firefighters can fulfill their mission in a safer environment."

Joint memorial altar for the late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jinseok. Yonhap News

The People Power Party also issued a message pledging to strengthen firefighters' safety and support the bereaved family. Party leader Jang Donghyeok wrote on Facebook, "I bow my head and pray for the repose of the deceased," and emphasized, "The state must provide firefighters with every possible form of support so they can carry out their duties more safely."

Floor Leader Jeong Jeomsik also wrote on Facebook, "I feel an indescribable sense of shock and grief upon hearing that he passed away, leaving behind his beloved wife and young daughter, who is due to start elementary school next year." He added, "We will carefully review and further strengthen the support system and budget for the families of firefighters who die in the line of duty."

Leaders of both parties will also pay their respects at the funeral altar for the late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jinseok at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital. From the Democratic Party, Floor Leader Han and Secretary-General Han Jeongae paid their respects on the afternoon of October 17. Party leader Kim will visit the funeral altar on the afternoon of October 18. From the People Power Party, party leader Jang, Floor Leader Jeong, and Secretary-General Jeong Heeyong are scheduled to pay their respects on the morning of October 18.

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