Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok said Monday that ensuring safe working conditions for firefighters is "the state's unlimited responsibility" and pledged to keep strengthening the budget and support for them.
Speaking at a supreme council meeting at the National Assembly, Kim made the remarks in connection with the funeral of the late Senior Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok, who died in the line of duty fighting a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. "The funeral for the late Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok is being held today," he said. "I again offer my deepest condolences."
"Frontline fire department officials are dedicating themselves at this very moment to protect the lives and safety of the public," Kim said. "To these uniformed heroes who are always the first to step forward when the people are in need — our firefighters — I offer my sincere respect and gratitude. Heroes deserve treatment befitting their service."
He added that equipment needed for firefighting and rescue operations must be replenished in a timely manner, and that support for firefighters' mental health — including post-traumatic stress disorder — must be fully adequate.
Kim also said the party would "actively support the successful hosting and follow-up projects" of the 2026 Gangneung World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, which opens Monday.
"The Gangneung ITS World Congress is the largest international event in the field of intelligent transport systems, with 60,000 participants from more than 90 countries," Kim said. "I hope this congress will allow South Korea to lead the future of transportation around the world."
Kim, who visited Busan last week on a two-night, three-day trip, is reportedly considering a visit to Gangneung this week.
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