Kim Min-seok says party must keep working 'until public anger subsides' over Choo's remarks

Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok said Monday that the party's top priority amid the ongoing controversy over Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae's "fiscal straw" remarks about the fire department is to "do everything possible until the public's feelings are soothed."

Kim made the remarks during an appearance on the YouTube channel Minti07, responding to a question about whether the party had decided on its position and direction amid growing calls for action against Choo. He stopped short of directly addressing whether disciplinary measures such as expulsion were under consideration.

Earlier, after Choo declined to apologize for the remarks, Democratic Party spokesperson Lee Yong-woo issued a public apology on the party's behalf. Kim himself subsequently offered his own public apology.

On the back-to-back apologies from the party, Kim said it was "not a common occurrence," adding that "the party had made requests in various ways for the person involved to apologize." He said the party decided it was appropriate to apologize separately "because she is a public official affiliated with the party, and as the party — and as someone representing the party."

Kim also addressed policy improvements related to the treatment and compensation of firefighters. "There is the ongoing issue of consistently upgrading safety-related equipment and gear," he said, "and because firefighters are always up against extremely difficult conditions, we also intend to keep strengthening support for their mental health — including the stress and trauma that comes from that work."

He then said research was beginning on using physical AI to keep personnel out of dangerous environments, and added that support for the fire service tends to draw broad bipartisan backing in the National Assembly. "We will continue to build on these efforts," he said.

Meanwhile, Kim said he believes the broad principle of holding open Cabinet meetings, a policy direction set by President Lee Jae Myung, should be maintained.

"Making Cabinet meetings public means the president's remarks and ministers' discussions are open," Kim said, "but it also means the various agenda items being handled there are conveyed in real time — and I think that part is even more significant."

He went on to say that "as far as I know, ministers can at least fully express their views for or against any given bill," pushing back against suggestions that Cabinet members find it difficult to voice dissenting opinions to the president.