Democratic Party Leaders Bow Their Heads over Bu Seungchan's "Firefighting Is Draining Finances" Remark

Kim Minseok: "I apologize once again... We must be more measured in our words and actions"
Han Byeongdo: "I feel a great sense of responsibility as floor leader"

Leaders of the Democratic Party of Korea appear focused on containing the fallout from recent controversial remarks about “firefighting finances” by Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae and Assemblyman Bu Seungchan, among others.

Democratic Party leader Kim Minseok addressed Assemblyman Bu’s remarks on the party’s YouTube program “Minty 07” on Oct. 20, saying, “I would like to apologize once again.” He added, “This is not just one person’s problem. The party as a whole, including me, is facing many difficulties at the moment. At times like this, it is all the more important to be careful in what we say and do.”

He continued, “Regardless of the context, I thought people would find the remarks uncomfortable, and that the party needed to state its position quickly.” Kim said, “I issued a warning on my own authority and decided that an appropriate party body would conduct an investigation.” He added, “I thought it would be best to have the Ethics Review Board investigate, but that would take time. Since the Ethics Inspection Group can handle cases involving lawmakers, I also asked it to look into the circumstances for now.”

That same day, Democratic Party floor leader Han Byeongdo also said at a meeting on parliamentary audit strategy held at the National Assembly, “As floor leader, I feel a great sense of responsibility that the words and actions of public officials affiliated with the Democratic Party have fallen short of the public’s expectations and standards.”

He added, “We must return to our original purpose. We will take greater responsibility for every word and action and work to live up to the public’s trust. I will start by adopting a more modest and humble attitude, listening closely to the public and devoting myself solely to improving people’s livelihoods.”

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, delivers opening remarks at a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 19th. Photo by Yoon Dongju

During the National Assembly’s audit of Gyeonggi Province on Oct. 13, Choo discussed local government finances and sparked controversy by saying, “Fire services seem like the biggest, most troublesome drain on finances.” After paying her respects at the funeral of the late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jinseok, who died in the line of duty in a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, on Oct. 17, she apologized again the following day during the National Assembly’s audit of Gyeonggi Province by the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee.

Assemblyman Bu, a member of the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, defended Choo during the audit the previous day, saying, “She made a serious mistake, but she has apologized sufficiently.” He added, “Although firefighters are national government employees, local governments bear about 90% of the budget. Doesn’t that mean firefighting is really draining finances?” His remarks fueled further controversy.

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