Democratic Party chief Kim Min-seok apologizes over Choo Mi-ae's 'fiscal straw' remark, urges her to do the same

Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok apologized Saturday over Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae's remarks describing fire department funding as a "fiscal straw," and called on Choo to issue a direct apology herself. The party leadership's renewed apology came as criticism of Choo mounted following the death of Senior Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok, who was fatally injured while fighting a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province.

"On behalf of the party, I offer a sincere apology to the firefighters and members of the public who were hurt by the remarks of our party's governor," Kim said in a press notice Saturday. "I have also asked her to offer a deeply reflective apology directly."

He added that the party would "take measures after careful deliberation to ensure that such inappropriate remarks by party-affiliated public officials do not occur again."

The controversy began when Choo, during a National Assembly audit of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on Tuesday, referred to fire department finances as "the biggest headache — like a fiscal straw" while discussing local government budget pressures. The Democratic Party had already apologized through statements by spokesperson Lee Yong-woo on Friday and floor spokesperson Lee Ju-hee on Saturday, before Kim himself weighed in.

Senior Fire Lt. Kim was dispatched to a metal injection and printing factory fire in Ojeong-gu, Bucheon, on Friday, and was rushed to hospital after sustaining serious injuries. He died Saturday morning. Choo visited the fire scene Friday but did not respond to reporters' questions about the "fiscal straw" remark.

Kim Min-seok also expressed condolences over the firefighter's death. "I offer my deepest condolences on the passing of Senior Fire Lt. Kim," he said, adding that he extended his sympathy to the firefighters and their families. He said he would pay his respects at the funeral after completing his official schedule in Busan, which runs through Saturday.

Democratic Party floor leader Han Byung-do and Secretary-General Han Jeong-ae were scheduled to visit the funeral home at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital Saturday afternoon to pay their condolences.