[Anchor]

Following Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae's remark comparing the fire service to a "financial straw," even the Democratic Party of Korea's Gyeonggi Provincial Chapter has stepped forward to demand a sincere apology. Controversy has also flared after a singer's performance was interrupted when Democratic Party Leader Kim Min-seok took the stage to briefly deliver greetings at a local festival.

Reporter Bae Jun-woo reports.

[Reporter]

Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae apologized four days after her remark that "the fire service is the most troublesome financial straw."

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

The People Power Party demanded her resignation from the governorship, calling it an "insincere apology forced by pressure."

[Jeong Jeom-sik / People Power Party Floor Leader (Oct. 18): "'Apologizing because she was told to apologize'—doesn't this show that she has no intention to apologize in her heart at all?"]

Calls to discipline Governor Choo also emerged among some Democratic Party members and supporters, but the party drew the line against disciplinary action for now, stating it would work out solutions regarding fire service finances.

[Lee Yong-woo / Democratic Party Spokesperson (Oct. 18): "It seems there are voices saying it was very inappropriate and that measures regarding such matters might be necessary. But I think it might be necessary to focus more on the fundamental aspects."]

Amid this, greetings delivered by Democratic Party Leader Kim Min-seok during a visit to a local festival in Sunchang, North Jeolla Province on October 15 have also come under scrutiny.

After a singer finished a song and before moving on to the next one, Leader Kim went on stage to offer greetings upon being introduced by the host, prompting the singer to leave the stage and then return.

[Kim Min-seok / Democratic Party Leader (Oct. 15): "I love it because the traditional paste tastes great, the people are great, and because it is the hometown of (Unification) Minister Chung Dong-young, who is working hard in our government!"]

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

(Video Source: YouTube channel 'Sinhodeung TV')