Gov't to take responsibility for firefighters' safety: PM

Prime Minister Han Seong-sook affirmed on Monday that the government will bear responsibility for ensuring the safety of firefighters, as she commemorated National Firefighters Day. In a message posted on X, she emphasized that ensuring firefighters have adequate numbers, equipment, and a secure working environment is a state obligation and should not be solely dependent on their personal dedication.

The government plans to enhance working conditions by bolstering personnel and resources, which includes expanding the firefighting budget.

Han also announced that the government will collaborate with relevant ministries to implement institutional reforms. These reforms aim to establish a reliable financial foundation for firefighting operations. The firefighting budget had been a contentious topic in recent weeks, after Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae labeled firefighters as a "fiscal drain" last month.

Her comments sparked widespread public outrage, particularly following the tragic death of a firefighter who responded to a factory fire in Bucheon, situated west of Seoul. Choo subsequently made multiple apologies for his remarks.