Controversy has erupted over Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok’s parking in an emergency patient-exclusive zone at a hospital while paying condolences to a deceased firefighter, revealed on the 19th. The Democratic Party stated, “The vehicle was not owned by Representative Kim but belonged to the chief of staff.”
Kim visited the funeral hall of the late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, around 8:50 p.m. the previous day to pay respects. The vehicle that dropped him off at the hospital entrance parked in the emergency patient-exclusive lot. It reportedly remained there for about 30 minutes until Kim finished his condolences. A sign in the area read, “This is an emergency patient-exclusive parking lot; outpatients and inpatients are prohibited from parking here.”
After leaving the funeral hall, Kim told reporters, “I offer deep condolences to the firefighter who sacrificed their life protecting the public’s safety.” He then departed the hospital in the same vehicle parked in the emergency zone.
Following media reports on the incident, Democratic Party Representative Kim Tae-sun, who serves as the chief of staff to the party leader, wrote on Facebook, “This is entirely my fault, and there is no excuse regardless of the circumstances.”
Party spokesperson Shin Hyun-young said, “We are deeply sorry for parking in the emergency patient-exclusive lot during the condolence visit.” She added, “The vehicle was parked there following the hospital staff’s guidance,” and claimed, “We immediately moved it to the underground parking lot after realizing the situation.”
Kim had previously faced criticism for interrupting a singer’s performance at a local festival in Suncheon, North Jeolla Province, the day before to deliver a speech. He apologized, saying, “I am sorry for the inconvenience,” while explaining, “I was suddenly called by the host to speak,” implying it was unintentional.
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