Opposition Blasts Governor Choo Mi-ae's Remark 'I Apologize Because You Wish For It': "We Wish For Your Resignation"

The opposition launched a fierce attack today (October 18) against Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae, saying her remark "I apologize because you wish for an apology"—made after paying respects the previous day to the late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok, who died in the line of duty during a factory fire in Bucheon—"cannot be seen as a genuine apology."

People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok wrote on Facebook that day, "'I apologize because you wish for an apology' is an apology pushed out under pressure after five days," adding, "Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae remains arrogant to the very end."

He went on to criticize, "Is this the only thing to apologize for? She neglects provincial administration and is busier with central politics. She took away meal money for children and even cut subsidies for teachers."

Jang pointed out, "Yet she moved into an official residence worth 1.2 billion won and bought a new car. The real 'fiscal leech' is Choo Mi-ae herself," adding, "The anger of Gyeonggi residents pierces the sky. Since they wish for your 'resignation,' then 'resign.'"

Floor Leader Jeong Jeom-sig met with reporters after a press briefing that morning and criticized, "I believe disparaging the noble spirit of sacrifice of firefighters with the heinous term 'fiscal leech' is a remark that can never be tolerated by the public."

He continued, "Even yesterday, when apologizing, saying 'I apologize because you told me to apologize'—doesn't that show a lack of sincerity to apologize?" adding, "Apologizing because someone else tells you to cannot be considered a genuine apology. A genuine apology comes from reflecting on and examining for oneself how much one's words and actions damaged the pride of firefighters."

Chief spokesperson Choi Bo-yoon criticized in a commentary that day, "Even while apologizing, Governor Choo prioritized making excuses, saying, 'It was conveyed differently from my intention' and 'It was an error in expression,'" adding, "It is also regrettable that she had not responded to previous demands for an apology and only apologized after visiting the memorial altar of the fallen firefighter."

She added, "Residents can only feel frustrated watching her turn firefighting into a headache claiming financial difficulties, and then offering a belated apology only after controversy mounted," pointing out, "A governor who, rather than solving headaches, has become a headache for residents herself—is this what Choo Mi-ae-style provincial governance is?"

She urged, "Stop hiding behind excuses, apologize sincerely for your remarks, and show a responsible attitude."

Five-term lawmaker Yoon Sang-hyun also pointed out in a Facebook post, "The sacrifice of uniformed heroes protecting the lives of the public cannot be evaluated on a financial profit and loss statement," noting, "Gyeonggi Province's budget exceeds 42 trillion won. The 100 million won for memorial projects for fallen firefighters accounts for merely about 0.00024% of the entire budget."

He continued, "The duty of a political leader is not to calculate that sacrifice as a cost, but to fulfill the responsibility that the state rightfully bears," rebuking, "Is expressing it as 'I apologize because an apology was demanded' truly an attitude of genuine reflection?"

Reform Party chief spokesperson Lee Dong-hoon also released a commentary that day targeting Governor Choo, saying, "Even while apologizing, she is seen protecting her pride rather than admitting fault," noting, "Her attitude in apologizing to the public is no different from her attitude in spending the tax money of provincial residents."

He went on to ask, "Governor Choo pushed for expenditure restructuring citing financial difficulties. Yet she moved into an official jeonse residence valued at around 1.2 billion won and purchased a new official vehicle in the 70-million-won range," asking, "Is an apology something granted just because the public wishes for it, and is economizing something only residents must do?"

(Photo courtesy of Gyeonggi Province, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.