[Anchor]
Around the time of a firefighter's death in the line of duty, remarks comparing fire services to draining public finances have surfaced repeatedly within the Democratic Party, prompting its leadership to issue apologies day after day. Amid repeated controversies, reactions expressing deep dismay have emerged from within the party.
Reporter Kim Kwan-jin reports.
[Reporter]
Just two months ago, the Democratic Party held its first general meeting of lawmakers right after Party Leader Kim Min-seok took office.
At that time, lawmakers bowed at a 90-degree angle, pledging respect for the public and a humble attitude.
However, that pledge has been rendered meaningless.
On October 16, three days after party member and Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae sparked controversy by describing fire services as a "straw draining public finances," the Democratic Party apologized in writing ahead of Governor Choo. A day later, on October 17, Party Leader Kim Min-seok also expressed an apology.
[Kim Min-seok / Democratic Party Leader (October 17): To those who were hurt by the remarks made by a provincial governor from our party....]
However, just hours later, Governor Choo drew criticism over whether her apology was sincere after remarking, "I apologize since you wish for it."
[Choo Mi-ae / Gyeonggi Province Governor (October 17): Since you wish for an apology, I apologize with all my heart.]
Matters worsened on October 19 when Lawmaker Boo Seung-chan, while defending Governor Choo, went so far as to make this remark:
[Boo Seung-chan / Democratic Party Lawmaker (October 19): Aren't they really sucking public finances dry?]
Yesterday (October 20), both top leaders of the party had to bow their heads.
[Kim Min-seok / Democratic Party Leader (October 20): Concerns have arisen, and I would first like to apologize once again.]
[Han Byung-do / Democratic Party Floor Leader (October 20): Due to a series of verbal slips, public anger and disappointment are growing.]
Just a day later, yesterday afternoon, Lawmaker Boo posted on social media, writing, "I bow my head in apology."
Within the Democratic Party, reactions such as "devastating" and "embarrassing" followed one after another.
On the night of October 19, the Democratic Party sent an official notice to municipal and provincial chapters nationwide ordering caution in words and deeds and warning of strict measures in case of violations. However, as Leader Kim himself had been embroiled in controversies over "greeting the audience during a local festival performance," "his chief of staff's car parking in an emergency patient-only space," and "a dawn visit to a fire station," the People Power Party mocked both Governor Choo and Leader Kim together.
[Jeong Jeom-sik / People Power Party Floor Leader: Even if the 'Choo-Seok siblings' were to perform three steps and one bow together to beg for forgiveness, it would not be enough.]
The Democratic Party leadership ordered an ex officio investigation by the party's ethics inspection team regarding Lawmaker Boo, but drew the line at disciplining Governor Choo. Meanwhile, some within the party argue that at least a formal warning should be issued.
(Video by Yoo Mi-ra)
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