Prime Minister Han Seong-sook announced that the government will assume responsibility for the safety of firefighters, coinciding with National Firefighters' Day.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Han emphasized in a message on X that ensuring sufficient personnel, equipment, and a safe working environment for firefighters is a state responsibility, rather than relying solely on their personal dedication.
The Prime Minister further stated that the government plans to improve working conditions by increasing the firefighting budget to enhance personnel and equipment in the field. The government will collaborate with related ministries to implement institutional reforms aimed at establishing a stable financial foundation.
The issue of the firefighting budget has been contentious following comments by Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae, who referred to firefighters as a "fiscal drain." This remark led to significant public backlash, particularly after a firefighter's death while responding to a factory fire in Bucheon, west of Seoul. Governor Choo has since issued multiple apologies for the comment.