Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae Faces Fury Over Insincere Apology After Firefighter’s Death

At a National Assembly audit, Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae described firefighters’ personnel expenses as a “straw sucking up” the province’s budget, intending to highlight that they are now paid by the national government. The comment provoked anger from firefighters, especially after six were injured battling a factory fire in Bucheon and one, Kim Jin-seok, died shortly after. When Choo visited the site and later the memorial altar, firefighters turned away, and she issued a brief apology saying “as you want an apology, I apologize.”

Critics, including People Power Party floor leader Jeong Jeom-sig and spokesperson Choi Bo-yun, said the apology was forced and insincere, urging her to reflect and accept responsibility. The Democratic Party of Korea and its chairman Kim Min-seok also apologized on her behalf, while President Lee Jae Myung paid tribute to the fallen firefighter. Some DPK members are now petitioning for disciplinary measures against Choo.