Politics · South Korea · 9 hrs ago
South Korea to review support for firefighters
South Korean Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said the government will review support for firefighters before asking them to protect the public.
She spoke at a meeting with the ruling party in Seoul, ahead of the 64th anniversary of the Day of Firefighting.
Han paid tribute to firefighter Kim Jin-seok, who died responding to a factory fire in Bucheon last month.
The government will discuss more funding for essential services and personnel costs, along with other measures that need consultation.
Han said public safety is a top priority, making support for firefighters important to their work.
She also pledged to inspect preparations for winter cold and heavy snow, which she said threaten people's daily lives.
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said the government will review whether it is fully supporting firefighters.
She made the remarks at a consultation meeting with the ruling party in Seoul on Nov. 8.
Han said the government would discuss expanding funding for essential areas and personnel expenses.
She paid tribute to firefighter Kim Jin-seok, who died responding to a factory fire in Bucheon last month.
The meeting was held a day before the 64th anniversary of the Day of Firefighting.
- Who
- Prime Minister Han Seong-sook and the South Korean government.
- What
- The government will review support for firefighters and discuss expanding funding for essential areas and personnel expenses.
- When
- Nov. 8, 2026, a day before the 64th anniversary of the Day of Firefighting.
- Where
- Seoul, South Korea.
- Why
- Han said the government should ensure firefighters are fully supported before asking them to devote themselves to public safety.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Firefighter Kim Jin-seok died while responding to a factory fire in Bucheon.
Han said the government would review support for firefighters at a consultation meeting with the ruling party.
- Prime minister
- Han Seong-sook
- Meeting date
- Nov. 8, 2026
- Location
- Seoul
- Funding under discussion
- Essential areas and personnel expenses
- Anniversary
- 64th anniversary of the Day of Firefighting
What people are saying
There are many things for the government to take care of, but the lives and safety of the public are one of the top priorities. There is nothing that precedes this