Backlash grows after Choo Mi-ae’s ‘fire-service budget drain’ gaffe, with calls for discipline mounting amid a string of Democratic Party apologies

[Financial News] The fatal incident involving a Bucheon firefighter, which came to light shortly after Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae’s remark calling the fire service a “fiscal drain,” has pushed the Democratic Party of Korea’s sense of crisis to a peak. The party leadership has been bowing their heads one after another in an effort to contain the fallout, but controversy over Choo’s “forced apology” has further inflamed public anger, and calls for disciplinary action within the party are growing.

On the afternoon of the 18th, Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok visited the funeral hall at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, to pay his respects at the funeral altar of the late Kim Jin-seok, a fire lieutenant. Kim bowed his head and told reporters, “I offer my deepest condolences to the firefighter who sacrificed his life protecting the public’s safety and to his bereaved family,” adding, “As someone working on behalf of the state, I feel like a sinner.” He went on to promise, “The state and the government will do more to ensure that the safety and lives of firefighters are protected, without leaving anything to chance.”
Earlier, on the 16th, the party issued a statement under the name of spokesperson Lee Yong-woo, saying, “We sincerely apologize to the firefighters and their families who were hurt by the words used by Governor Choo.” Following an apology announcement by Kim, President Lee Jae-myung also visited the funeral altar in person on the 17th to pay his respects, making every effort to contain the situation. With the controversy over Governor Choo intensifying, the party and the government appear to be moving quickly to acknowledge responsibility and prevent further alienation of the public.


During a National Assembly audit by the Public Administration and Security Committee on the 13th, Governor Choo drew public outrage by comparing the fire service to “the most troublesome fiscal drain.” Amid fierce backlash from the firefighters’ union, the death in the line of duty of Lieutenant Kim added to the controversy. Four days later, on the 17th, after paying her respects, Governor Choo said, “Since you want an apology, I sincerely apologize with all my heart.”
Her remark, however, added fuel to the controversy over whether her apology was sincere. People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk wrote on Facebook, “Saying, ‘I apologize because you want an apology’? That’s an apology she was pushed into giving five days later. Arrogant to the end.” He sharply criticized her, adding, “Since you want a resignation, resign.” People Power Party members have been unleashing a barrage of criticism, labeling Governor Choo’s actions “excuses.”

Concerned about worsening public sentiment in the Seoul metropolitan area, the Democratic Party’s Gyeonggi Provincial Chapter held an emergency joint meeting of its local committee chairs, chaired by Seo Young-seok, in Bucheon at 8 p.m. on the 18th to discuss countermeasures.
In his opening remarks, Chair Seo bowed his head and apologized to the bereaved family of the firefighter who died in the line of duty. He then directly addressed Governor Choo, saying, “I ask you to offer a sincere apology to the firefighters and their bereaved families who were hurt, and to the residents of the province,” adding, “That is the first step toward restoring the trust that has been shattered.” He went on to stress, “The alienation of public opinion in Gyeonggi Province could have adverse effects nationwide. There is a golden hour for public sentiment, too.” Although no specific disciplinary proposal was finalized at the meeting, the views expressed and the seriousness of the situation are to be conveyed to Kim Min-seok.
Meanwhile, calls to restore discipline within the party are also mounting. Some party members with voting rights are circulating an online “Petition for Emergency Disciplinary Action Against Governor Choo” and gathering signatures in a rolling campaign. Spokesperson Lee Yong-woo held back, saying, “Since Governor Choo has apologized as well, we need to focus on the essence of the matter,” and, “It’s difficult to say right now whether there will be follow-up measures.” Calls from within and outside the party to overhaul party discipline are expected to continue for the time being.

[email protected] Park Ji-hyun Reporter