Lee pays tribute to firefighter killed in Bucheon factory fire

Seoul, October 17 - President Lee Jae Myung paid his respects on Saturday to Kim Jin-seok, a firefighter who lost his life while responding to a factory fire in Bucheon, South Korea, according to the presidential office. In recognition of Kim's dedication and sacrifice, Lee posthumously awarded him the Okjo Order of Service Merit and extended condolences to his family.

Upon arriving, Lee expressed the need for the government to provide firefighters with the recognition and support they deserve, citing the necessity to enhance on-site safety measures to ensure safer working conditions for those who risk their lives each day. Interior Minister Yoon Ho-jung, who accompanied the president, was tasked with ensuring all necessary support for the treatment and recovery of the seven firefighters injured in the incident.

The government plans to offer additional honors to Kim, including arrangements for his burial at a national cemetery. The fire, which broke out at 8:38 a.m. on Friday at a four-story metalworking factory in Bucheon, west of Seoul, was fully extinguished by 11:06 a.m. Kim, one of the first responders, died at 12:55 a.m. on Saturday after being taken to a hospital.

Authorities suspect the fire may have been ignited by an oil mist during a metal-cleaning operation at the factory.