Ruling and Opposition Party Leaders Visit Memorial Altar for Firefighter Killed in Bucheon Fire

Leaders of the ruling and opposition parties visited the memorial altar of Kim Jin-seok, a fire lieutenant (one of the ranks held by firefighters) who died while battling a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, on the 18th, paying their respects together. The condolence visits by party leadership continued over two days, after House floor leader Han Byeong-do and Secretary-General Han Jeong-ae of the Democratic Party, as well as Cho Kuk Innovation Party Chairman Shin Jang-sik, had visited the altar first on the 17th.

People Power Party Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk, along with floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik, Policy Committee Chairwoman Lim I-ja, and Secretary-General Jeong Hui-yong, visited the altar on Friday morning to mourn the deceased. Democratic Party Chairman Kim Min-seok is also expected to visit the altar after completing his schedule in Busan. In a social media post on the 17th, Kim expressed gratitude and respect for the "heroes in uniform," emphasizing efforts to honor the deceased, support the bereaved family, and improve safe working conditions for firefighters. Cho Kuk Innovation Party Chairman Shin Jang-sik and Secretary-General Jeong Chun-saeng, as well as Reform Party Emergency Committee Chairwoman Lee Ki-in and floor leader Cheon Ha-ram, also each visited the altar to pay their condolences.

Leaders of both parties also voiced their positions on supporting the bereaved family and firefighter safety. Chairman Jang said, "The state must offer generous support so that firefighters can carry out their duties more safely," while floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik pledged to review and improve the support system for the families of fallen firefighters along with the related budget.