Fallout Continues Despite Choo Mi-ae's Apology; Kim Min-seok Apologizes for 'Concert Interruption'

[Anchor]

Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae offered a belated apology for her remark that "fire services are a fiscal straw," but the fallout continues. In addition to the opposition's calls for her resignation, even some ruling party members have demanded disciplinary action against Governor Choo. Compounding the situation, controversy also arose over Democratic Party Leader Kim Min-seok's appearance at a local festival, forcing him to issue another apology just a day later.

Reporter Bae Junu reports.

[Reporter]

Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae apologized on October 17, four days after describing fire services as "the most troublesome fiscal straw."

[Choo Mi-ae / Gyeonggi Province Governor (October 17): "If it was conveyed differently from my intention, I express deep regret, and since an apology is sought, I apologize with all my heart."]

The People Power Party criticized it as an "insincere apology made only because she was pushed," and even demanded her resignation from the governorship.

[Jeong Jeom-sig / People Power Party Floor Leader: "'I'm apologizing because I'm told to'—doesn't this mean there was no genuine intention to apologize in the first place?"]

Calls for disciplinary action against Governor Choo also emerged from some Democratic Party members and supporters, but the Democratic Party drew the line against disciplinary action for now, stating that it would formulate solutions regarding fire service finances.

[Lee Yong-woo / Democratic Party Spokesperson: "There seem to be voices saying it was very inappropriate and that action is needed regarding such matters. However, I think it might be necessary to focus more on the essential aspects."]


Meanwhile, remarks made by Democratic Party Leader Kim Min-seok during his visit to a local festival in Sunchang, North Jeolla Province on October 15 have also come under scrutiny.

After a singer finished a performance and before moving on to the next song, Kim took the stage to deliver greetings following an introduction by the host, prompting the singer to leave the stage and return later.

[Kim Min-seok / Democratic Party Leader (October 15): "The fermented sauce tastes great, the people are wonderful, and it's wonderful because it's the hometown of Minister Chung Dong-young, who is working hard in our administration!"]

As controversy erupted, with the People Power Party criticizing the incident as an "abusive intrusion," Leader Kim posted on social media yesterday (October 18), writing, "I was called up suddenly by the host and gave greetings," while adding, "I am sorry for causing any discomfort."

(Video by Lee Byung-joo | Video Editing by Nam Il | Video Source: YouTube 'Sinhodeung TV')
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.