Democratic Party lawmaker Boo Seung-chan has apologized for his controversial remark that firefighting "sucks up finances."

Boo stated on social media today (October 20), "I offer my sincere apologies to the firefighters and the public who were hurt by my remarks during yesterday's parliamentary audit of Gyeonggi Province."

He continued, "As a politician, I failed to show prudence in my words and actions," adding, "As someone who once wore a uniform, I deeply reflect on failing to show due respect to those who, even at this very moment, dedicate themselves to the lives and safety of the people."

He added, "I will take the lead in strengthening national responsibility so that firefighters can carry out their duties safely and have their dedication rightfully respected."

Earlier, during the parliamentary audit of Gyeonggi Province by the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee yesterday, Boo defended Gyeonggi Governor Choo Mi-ae's remark about firefighting being a "straw" on provincial finances, saying:

[Boo Seung-chan / Democratic Party Lawmaker: Doesn't this (firefighting budget) really suck up (local government) finances? That's why, without solving this at the national level, isn't it pointless to only criticize it?]

As the remarks sparked controversy once again, Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok issued a stern warning to Boo and ordered the central party's Ethics Tribunal to launch an ex officio investigation into the circumstances surrounding the remarks.

Kim also sent an official notice to the heads of city and provincial chapters and regional committees, urging them to exercise caution in their words and actions as public opinion worsened over a series of verbal slips regarding firefighting finances.

(Reported by Park Se-won | Video by Jang Yu-jin | Graphics by Lee Soo-min | Produced by SBS Digital News)