President Lee visits fallen Bucheon firefighter's funeral, awards posthumous honor

President Lee Jae-myung on the 17th expressed condolences over the death of a firefighter who was battling a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, and pledged to improve working conditions for firefighters. He also said he would not forget the firefighter's sacrifice.

Lee said he would remember the dedication of the firefighter, who entered a dangerous scene to protect people's lives and safety. He stressed that protecting firefighters' safety is a duty the state must fulfill.

On the government's response, he said it would thoroughly review safety measures and address shortcomings so frontline firefighters could carry out their duties more safely. He also pledged close attention to ensuring they receive recognition and working conditions commensurate with their sacrifices and hard work.

Lee conveyed his deep condolences to the bereaved family. He also expressed sympathy for fellow firefighters sharing in the grief.

A letter written to the late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok by his daughter has been made public. Kim died while fighting a factory fire in Bucheon.

Democratic Party lawmaker Song Young-gil released the letter. On the 17th, he posted the letter on social media from Kim's daughter, who is due to enter elementary school next year.

The daughter began her letter by saying she missed her father. She wrote that he had died the previous day and that they were at the funeral hall, expressing how much she missed him.

Kim arrived with the first responding crew at a paint factory fire in Nae-dong, Ojeong-gu, Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, on the morning of the 16th. After entering the factory, he was unable to escape as the flames spread rapidly; he was found in cardiac arrest and rescued but died.

Kim was in his 11th year as a firefighter. He received an exemplary firefighter award for his contribution to fighting a fire at a multifamily house in Wonjong-dong, Bucheon, in January.