Choo Mi-ae's 'sucking budget' remark about firefighting finances shakes up Democratic Party
Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae's remark that the national budget for firefighters acts like a "straw" draining local finances has drawn an apology and a growing wave of criticism, leaving the ruling Democratic Party of Korea rattled through the 18th. While paying condolences on the 17th at the funeral home in Bucheon for firefighter Kim Jin-seok, who died battling a factory fire, Gov. Choo said, "If my remarks were conveyed differently from my intentions, I express deep regret and offer my heartfelt apology." The controversial comment was made on the 13th during the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee audit for Gyeonggi Province, as she explained local government fiscal issues and brought up the budget for nationally employed firefighters.
Within the Democratic Party, criticism is mounting over the content and timing of Gov. Choo's apology. Rep. Song Young-gil said on the 18th that "firefighting is not a matter to be viewed in terms of cost," voicing disappointment over how the apology was handled. A group of party members and supporters calling itself 'Petitioners for Emergency Discipline of Gov. Choo' is gathering signatures online for an emergency disciplinary petition. They criticized the governor, saying her "outrageous remark about 'sucking finances' is wrecking not only the Democratic Party but also the Lee Jae-myung government." Even after the apology, party members are watching closely for how the governor's subsequent moves could affect the party's direction.
The main opposition People Power Party joined the criticism. Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk and floor leader Jeong Jeom-sik visited the fallen firefighter's funeral home on the morning of the 18th. On Facebook, Jang wrote that the apology was "forced out under pressure" and that Choo "remains arrogant to the end. Resign." Floor leader Jeong, speaking at a press briefing at the National Assembly, criticized the remark for belittling the spirit of sacrifice of firefighters.
The government decided to posthumously promote firefighter Kim Jin-seok by one rank, award him the Order of National Foundation Medal, and provide burial at the National Cemetery in Seoul. President Lee Jae-myung visited the funeral home at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital on the 17th, bowed in silence before the altar, and stressed to the bereaved family the state's responsibility and duty of respect toward firefighters.
