Field Report President Lee Visits Fire Site Firefighter's Wake in Bucheon... "Will Remember His Sacrifice Forever"

President Lee Jae-myung visited the funeral parlor of the late Captain Kim Jin-seok of the Fire Service, who was killed in the line of duty while conducting firefighting operations at a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, honoring the fallen firefighter's sacrifice and consoling his bereaved family.

President Lee visited Captain Kim's funeral parlor at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital's funeral hall in Bucheon at approximately 6:14 p.m. on the 17th. Accompanying him were Minister of Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-joong, Fire Chief Choi Yong-cheol, Presidential Chief Secretary Lim Gwang-hyun, and First Deputy Secretary Kim Hyun-ji.

Before paying his respects, President Lee wrote in the condolence book: "Within the safe daily life you protected, the people will forever remember your sacrifice."

Kneels and incense-burns before portrait...Places Okjo Geunjeong Medal on altar

President Lee then approached the portrait while wearing white gloves, knelt down, lit incense, and bowed his head in silent tribute. He subsequently placed the posthumously awarded Okjo Geunjeong Medal on the altar in farewell, and held the bereaved family's hands to express his deep condolences.

Captain Kim was among the first responders deployed to a manufacturing factory fire that broke out in Bucheon the previous day. He sustained injuries during firefighting operations and was transported to a hospital but ultimately passed away at approximately 12:55 a.m. on the 17th.

The government awarded Captain Kim a posthumous one-rank promotion from Lieutenant to Captain, along with the posthumous Okjo Geunjeong Medal. The government also plans to support his burial at the National Cemetery. The funeral will be held under the sponsorship of the Gyeonggi Provincial Governor, with a final farewell ceremony to take place at the Bucheon Indoor Gymnasium on the 19th.

Eight total casualties including six firefighters...Police and fire authorities investigate fire cause

A total of eight people were injured in the fire, including Captain Kim. One firefighter who responded with him sustained serious injuries, four other firefighters showed heat exhaustion symptoms, and two factory workers received treatment after inhaling smoke.

Police and fire authorities are conducting a detailed investigation into the exact cause of the fire and whether proper safety protocols were followed at the scene.