President Lee pays respects to firefighter killed in Bucheon factory fire, says sacrifice will be remembered forever

[Financial News] On the 17th, President Lee Jae-myung visited the funeral parlor of the late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok, who died on duty while fighting a fire at a factory in Bucheon, paid tribute to him and offered comfort to his bereaved family. He also posthumously awarded him the Order of Service Merit, Jade Stripes, in recognition of his noble dedication and sacrifice.
That afternoon, President Lee visited the funeral parlor at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, where Fire Lieutenant Kim’s funeral was being held.
In the condolence book, he wrote, “In the safe everyday lives you protected, the people will remember your sacrifice forever.”
He then put on white gloves, entered the funeral parlor and offered incense while kneeling. After observing a moment of silence, he placed the Order of Service Merit, Jade Stripes, on the altar in front of the portrait and offered his condolences to the bereaved family.
Kang Yoo-jung, a senior presidential spokesperson at Cheong Wa Dae, said in a written briefing that President Lee sat face-to-face with the deceased’s wife, listened to her and expressed his condolences for a long time. President Lee asked how old the deceased’s daughter was. When he heard she was seven, he fell silent for a while, looking visibly moved.
He asked the deceased’s father, who was waiting outside the funeral parlor, whether the deceased had been his only son, then held back his words for a while before offering comfort.
When the bereaved family expressed concern for those left behind, saying, “Please make sure our daughter can grow up well,” President Lee nodded deeply. He also expressed regret that he could not adequately convey his gratitude for the sacrifices of firefighters who serve the country.
Those accompanying him to pay their respects included Minister of the Interior and Safety Yun Ho-jung, National Fire Agency Commissioner Choi Yong-cheol, Presidential Chief of Staff Im Gwang-hyeon, Senior Spokesperson Kang and Chief of the First Annex Office Kim Hyun-ji. Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers Kim Gi-pyo, Seo Young-seok and Lee Geon-tae also attended.
After paying his respects, President Lee wished a speedy recovery to the firefighters who were injured in the same fire and were receiving treatment. He instructed Minister Yun to provide all necessary support for the injured firefighters’ treatment and recovery.
He also stressed that on-site safety should be strengthened so firefighters can carry out their duties in a safer environment, and that the state must fulfill its responsibility to provide honors and support commensurate with their dedication and sacrifice.
President Lee said the state must remember to the end the dedication of the deceased, who gave his life protecting the public, and accord him the honors he deserved. He added that he would also carefully look after the future of the family and young children left behind.
On the morning of the 16th, Fire Lieutenant Kim was deployed as part of the first-arriving team to a fire at a metal injection-molding and painting plant on the third floor of a five-story building in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province. He became trapped while fighting the fire and was taken to hospital in cardiac arrest, but died on duty the following morning while receiving treatment.
Another firefighter who was trapped with him also suffered serious injuries. In addition, four firefighters and two factory personnel received hospital treatment for heat exhaustion, smoke inhalation and other injuries, bringing the total number of casualties in the fire to eight.

[email protected] Choi Jong-geun Reporter