DP issues warnings against Gyeonggi governor, lawmaker over remarks seen as disparaging firefighters

The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) issued stern warnings on Wednesday to Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae and a lawmaker over remarks perceived as disparaging to firefighters. Governor Choo sparked controversy when she referred to firefighting as the most significant headache and financial burden for local governments during a parliamentary audit last Tuesday.

The DPK's warnings aim to prompt introspection and prevent similar occurrences, according to DPK spokesperson Cho Gye-won, who addressed reporters during a closed-door meeting of the party's supreme council. The party extended apologies to firefighters and the public once more. Additionally, the DPK imposed a warning on Representative Boo Seung-chan, who defended Choo during another parliamentary audit on Monday.

Despite the lawmaker's acknowledgment of an adequate apology and the classification of firefighters as central government employees since 2020, Boo maintained the stance that firefighting services continue to drain local government finances. Choo had previously issued an apology on Saturday, but it remains unclear whether her statement satisfactorily addressed the concerns raised by the DPK.