After Choo Mee-ae, Now Boo Seung-chan...Kim Min-seok Repeats 'Proxy Apologies'

Inappropriate remarks by Democratic Party politicians are continuing one after another, with party chairman Kim Min-seok apologizing and managing the situation daily. Despite stern warnings and ethics probes at the party level, similar controversies are recurring, leading to growing calls for substantive disciplinary action beyond simple apologies and warnings.

According to political circles on Oct. 20, Chairman Kim appeared on the Democratic Party's official YouTube broadcast "Dem TV 07" that day and apologized regarding Rep. Boo's controversial remarks, saying "I once again apologize sincerely."

Regarding the reason for issuing a stern warning to Rep. Boo the previous day and ordering a direct investigation by the party's ethics probe unit, Chairman Kim explained that "regardless of the context, it seemed the public would feel uncomfortable," and said swift party-level response was necessary.

He also stated, "This is not a problem of one person," expressing the position that the entire party should be cautious in their words and actions.

The controversy began with Gyeonggi Province's state audit at the House Administration and Safety Committee on Oct. 13.

During that audit, Governor Choo discussed personnel and operational costs for firefighters converted to national civil servants when explaining the burden on local finances, making remarks to the effect that "firefighting is like the most troublesome fiscal straw."

Criticism was raised regarding inappropriate language toward firefighters, and Governor Choo came forward to apologize.

However, controversy continued even during the apology process.

On Oct. 17, Governor Choo visited the funeral altar of the late Firefighter First Class Kim Jin-seok, who died in a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi, saying "Since you are asking for an apology, I sincerely apologize with all my heart," drawing criticism over the authenticity of the apology.

Chairman Kim also apologized on behalf of the party to firefighters and the public on the same day and expressed his intention to review necessary measures to prevent inappropriate remarks from party officials from recurring.

However, just two days later, a similar controversy was repeated.

On Oct. 19, during Gyeonggi Province's state audit at the National Assembly's Land, Infrastructure and Transport Committee, Rep. Boo Seung-chan (Democratic Party, Yongin B) defended Governor Choo, saying "Although firefighters are national civil servants, local governments bear about 90% of the budget, so isn't this really sucking fiscal resources dry?"

Though intended to convey that the central government should bear more responsibility for the financial burden of national firefighters, the use of already-controversial language again expanded criticism.

Particularly notably, that day was when the funeral service for the late Firefighter First Class Kim Jin-seok was being held.

At the audit venue, members of the People Power Party strongly objected, and as arguments ensued between ruling and opposition parties, the audit was suspended for approximately seven minutes.

The controversy that began with Governor Choo's remarks was reproduced in the process of her party colleague's defense.

The Democratic Party leadership responded immediately.

Chairman Kim issued a stern warning to Rep. Boo and ordered a direct investigation by the ethics probe unit. The Democratic Party also sent an official memorandum under the name of Secretary General Han Jung-ae cautioning elected officials and senior party officials to be mindful of their words and actions.

Rep. Boo expressed on Facebook that day, "I sincerely apologize to the firefighters and the public who have been hurt by my remarks."

He added, "As someone who once wore a uniform, I deeply reflect on my failure to show proper respect to those who are dedicating themselves to the safety and lives of the people even at this very moment."

Ultimately, both Governor Choo and Rep. Boo apologized, but the party's internal controversy does not appear to be easily subsiding.

Although Chairman Kim issued a warning at the party leadership level and ordered an ethics probe, there have been no concrete moves regarding actual disciplinary action, leading some party members to call for expulsion beyond simple discipline.

Accordingly, the focus of controversy is shifting from the inappropriate remarks of individual politicians to the response of the leadership. Furthermore, some point out that Chairman Kim's willingness to establish party discipline and his leadership have been put to the test.

Particularly, given that Chairman Kim had announced party-level measures to prevent recurrence at the time of Governor Choo's controversial remarks yet the same controversy was repeated just two days later, criticism has been raised that warnings and apologies alone have limitations.

Attention is being paid to whether Chairman Kim will take actual disciplinary action based on the ethics probe results or whether the matter will end once again with apologies and admonitions.