Democratic Party Pledges to Overhaul Fire Service Budgets and Systems... Kim Minseok: "Heroes Should Receive Treatment Befitting Their Service"

Choi Minhee: "Discussions should begin on transitioning to a system in which the state also assumes responsibility for fire service funding"
Democratic Party of Korea: "We will discuss revising the law to ensure stable, independent funding for fire ser

The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to pursue better treatment for firefighters in connection with firefighting funding. It also plans to reform the budget structure, which relies on local government finances despite firefighters having been converted to national government employees under the system.

At a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on October 19, Democratic Party leader Kim Minseok began his remarks by saying, "The funeral for Fire Lieutenant Kim Jinseok will be held today," and added, "I once again pray for the repose of the deceased's soul. I extend my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and fellow firefighters." Kim expressed his respect and gratitude for firefighters, saying, "Heroes deserve to be treated accordingly."

He pledged, "Ensuring a safe working environment for firefighters is the state's boundless responsibility. We must replenish in a timely manner the various equipment needed for firefighting, rescue operations, and snow removal, and provide adequate support for firefighters' mental health, including for post-traumatic stress disorder. We will continue to strengthen the budget and support for a safe working environment for firefighters."

Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Minseok, floor leader Han Byeongdo and other Supreme Council members observe a moment of silence in memory of firefighters who died in the line of duty in a fire in Bucheon, during a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on the 19th. Oct. 19, 2026. Photo by Yun Dongju.

Democratic Party floor leader Han Byeongdo also said, "The Democratic Party will honor the deceased's dedication in being the first to rush to dangerous fire scenes and begin firefighting efforts, and take the lead in securing budgets, overhauling fire-related systems, and establishing effective measures to prevent a recurrence, including systems for rescuing and evacuating firefighters."

Democratic Party Supreme Council member Choi Minhee said, "I hope the National Assembly will swiftly complete the financial transition of firefighters to national government employees," and noted, "In April 2020, the transition was made under the leadership of the Democratic Party. However, only their employment status was changed at the time, while their organization, personnel affairs, and budgets remained under local government authority." She continued, "Firefighting currently accounts for 72% of national government affairs, but national funding covers only 10.7%," and proposed that "the National Assembly begin discussions as soon as possible on shifting to a system in which the national government also assumes responsibility for firefighting finances."

Democratic Party spokesperson Shin Hyun-young said, "The party has determined that the national government needs to bear part of the firefighting costs," adding, "We will also amend the law and quickly prepare alternatives to improve local governments' fiscal conditions and ensure stable, independent funding for firefighting."

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