Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae apologizes again after remarks during a parliamentary audit that critics described as disparaging firefighters. Speaking at a parliamentary audit on Monday in Suwon, she says she “sincerely apologize[s]” to firefighters whose feelings were hurt, adding that she values their dedication more than anyone else. The renewed apology follows earlier attempts to address the controversy, including an apology issued days after the initial comments.
The dispute began last Tuesday during a National Assembly audit, when Choo described firefighting personnel costs as a burden on local finances, using phrases likened to a “headache” and a “fiscal drain.” Outlets report the backlash intensified after a firefighter died while responding to a factory fire in Bucheon, prompting scrutiny of whether her apology was sincere. One outlet says Choo had to post multiple statements, and that later explanations and phrasing drew additional criticism from opposition politicians and some within her own party, who call for a clearer apology and possible disciplinary action.
