Car Parked in 'Emergency Only' Spot During Condolence Visit Sparks Backlash

[Anchor]

On the night of October 18, Democratic Party Leader Kim Min-seok visited a memorial altar to pay his respects to a firefighter who died in the line of duty. However, it was later revealed that the vehicle he traveled in had been parked in an emergency patient only zone, drawing criticism. Kim's chief of staff, who owns the vehicle, apologized, calling it an inexcusable mistake.

Reporter Go Jeong-hyeon reports.

[Reporter]

At a hospital in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, where a memorial altar was set up for the late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok, who lost his life while fighting a fire.

Democratic Party Leader Kim Min-seok and his chief of staff, Lawmaker Kim Tae-seon, who visited the hospital on the night of October 18 to pay their respects, step out of the vehicle they arrived in together.

[Kim Min-seok / Democratic Party Leader (Night of October 18) : "As someone carrying out the nation's duties, I feel like a sinner in the face of such a sacrifice."]

The two left after paying their respects for about 30 minutes, but it was later revealed that the vehicle they traveled in had been parked in the hospital's "emergency patients only" parking zone.

Criticism was raised over whether this constituted special privilege, given that even hospitalized patients are not permitted to park there. Lawmaker Kim Tae-seon posted on social media on October 19, stating, "The vehicle parked in the reserved zone is my office vehicle," adding, "It is entirely my fault without any excuse, and I offer my sincere apologies."

The Democratic Party also apologized, stating that while the vehicle was parked in that area following the guidance of hospital staff, they failed to follow the rules regardless of the reason.

Regarding the controversy over Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae's remarks describing firefighting finances as a "straw," the Democratic Party stated it would speed up institutional improvements to better the working conditions of firefighters.

[Han Byung-do / Democratic Party Floor Leader : "We will take the lead in preparing effective preventive measures, overhauling firefighting-related systems, and securing the necessary budget."]

However, the party did not take a clear stance on calls from some party members demanding disciplinary action against Governor Choo.

The People Power Party continued its offensive, claiming that Governor Choo slashed firefighting-related budgets while upgrading her official residence and vehicle.

[Jang Dong-hyeok / People Power Party Leader : "The key money deposit alone for the 47-pyeong apartment she moved into as her official residence is 1.2 billion won. The real financial straw is Governor Choo Mi-ae herself."]

Targeting Leader Kim, they also demanded that he clarify whether he knew the vehicle was being parked in the emergency patient only zone.

(Video by Park Seon-soo | Design by Jang Seong-beom | Footage courtesy of Newsis)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.