Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, directly apologized today (October 17) for Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae's controversial remark referring to firefighting as a "fiscal straw."

Through a media notice on the same day, Leader Kim stated, "On behalf of the party, I offer my deepest apologies to the firefighters and the public who were hurt by the remarks made by a governor belonging to our party," adding, "I have also requested a deeply reflective apology from the person involved."

Kim said, "We will take measures following deep deliberation to ensure that such inappropriate remarks by public officials affiliated with our party do not occur again in the future."

He continued, "I express my deep condolences on the passing of Fire Lieutenant Kim, and I extend my heartfelt words of comfort to firefighters and their families."

Earlier on October 13, Governor Choo sparked controversy during the National Assembly Public Administration and Security Committee's parliamentary audit regarding local government fiscal issues by stating, "Firefighting seems to be the biggest, most troublesome fiscal straw."

Following official apologies issued through commentaries by spokesperson Lee Yong-woo the previous day and floor spokesperson Lee Ju-hee earlier today, Leader Kim also stepped forward to apologize for Governor Choo's remarks. Analysts view this move as being conscious of critical public opinion from firefighter labor unions and others against Choo, a local government head affiliated with the party.

(Photo: Yonhap News)