[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Opposition parties including the People Power Party and the People’s Party have issued condolence statements regarding the late Rescue Captain Kim Dong-sik, who died fighting the flames. The opposition parties urged for maximum respect for the deceased along with measures to prevent recurrence.
On the 19th, Hwang Bo-seung-hee, chief spokesperson of the People Power Party, said, "I pray for the repose of Rescue Captain Kim Dong-sik, who died in the line of duty, and offer sincere condolences to his bereaved family along with all the people. It is deeply tragic and sorrowful that the hopes of the people, who wished for his safe return to his family, have been shattered."
Spokesperson Hwang added, "We must ensure that Captain Kim’s sacrifice is not in vain, and that responsibility lies solely with those left behind," urging, "Please do your utmost to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause and prepare measures to prevent recurrence."
He continued, "It is also necessary to review and supplement any shortcomings that may have occurred during the rescue operations by firefighters who protect the lives and safety of the people," and stated, "The People Power Party will not hesitate to provide any cooperation and effort."
Hong Kyung-hee, senior deputy spokesperson of the People’s Party, also expressed, "I pray for the repose of the late Rescue Captain Kim," and said, "We express infinite respect and gratitude for the noble spirit of sacrifice of the deceased, who plunged into the scene of the fire for the search and rescue of lives."
Senior Deputy Spokesperson Hong said, "The government must provide the utmost respect in the funeral and to the bereaved family of the late Rescue Captain Kim Dong-sik," and added, "A comprehensive review of fire scene safety response guidelines and search manuals is necessary to ensure that such a tragic sacrifice does not happen again."
She emphasized again, "The government must provide the utmost respect in the funeral and to the bereaved family of the late Rescue Captain Kim Dong-sik," and stressed, "Furthermore, a thorough inspection of fire scene safety response guidelines and search manuals is needed to prevent such a heartbreaking sacrifice from recurring."
Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min wrote on social media, "I pray that Captain Kim Dong-sik, who devoted and sacrificed his life to protect the lives and safety of the people, may rest peacefully in the afterlife," and added, "I send warm condolences to the bereaved family and fellow rescue workers who must be in indescribable sorrow."
Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong also said, "I am deeply moved by the testimonies of colleagues who introduced him as a true captain who was always exemplary and took the lead, having been recognized for his sincerity and ability with awards such as the Fire Administration Merit Award," and stated, "I pray for the repose of Rescue Captain Kim Dong-sik, who prioritized the lives and safety of the people and worked tirelessly day and night, and offer sincere condolences to his bereaved family and fellow rescue workers."
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