The People Power Party on October 20 urged Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party, to apologize and clarify the circumstances surrounding his parking in an emergency room area.
Members of the People Power Party's Welfare Committee held a press conference at the National Assembly that afternoon, stating, "Emergency rooms are not spaces for privilege."
They criticized, "Blocking access for other citizens in a moment meant to honor a firefighter who died in the line of duty is unacceptable," adding, "The scene where the hospital had to remove cones was a clear example of privilege created by power."
The lawmakers demanded that Kim not rely on explanations from his spokesperson and chief of staff but instead offer a direct apology. They also called for clarification on why the hospital had to remove the cones.
Additionally, they urged the National Police Agency to disclose the protective measures for patients and the execution process during the recent search and seizure, and called on the government to present guidelines for investigations and searches in emergency rooms during the National Assembly's audit period.
They also referenced the controversy surrounding the transport of President Lee Jae-myung by firefighting helicopters during an attack in Busan in 2024, asserting, "No one, not even the president or the ruling party leader, should be exempt in front of an emergency room."
Meanwhile, it has been reported that Kim visited the funeral of firefighter Kim Jin-seok, who died in a factory fire in Bucheon on October 18, and that his vehicle was parked in the emergency patient-only area for about 30 minutes. It was also reported that hospital staff removed parking prohibition cones to guide the vehicle before Kim's arrival.
Members of the People Power Party's Welfare Committee held a press conference at the National Assembly that afternoon, stating, "Emergency rooms are not spaces for privilege."
They criticized, "Blocking access for other citizens in a moment meant to honor a firefighter who died in the line of duty is unacceptable," adding, "The scene where the hospital had to remove cones was a clear example of privilege created by power."
The lawmakers demanded that Kim not rely on explanations from his spokesperson and chief of staff but instead offer a direct apology. They also called for clarification on why the hospital had to remove the cones.
Additionally, they urged the National Police Agency to disclose the protective measures for patients and the execution process during the recent search and seizure, and called on the government to present guidelines for investigations and searches in emergency rooms during the National Assembly's audit period.
They also referenced the controversy surrounding the transport of President Lee Jae-myung by firefighting helicopters during an attack in Busan in 2024, asserting, "No one, not even the president or the ruling party leader, should be exempt in front of an emergency room."
Meanwhile, it has been reported that Kim visited the funeral of firefighter Kim Jin-seok, who died in a factory fire in Bucheon on October 18, and that his vehicle was parked in the emergency patient-only area for about 30 minutes. It was also reported that hospital staff removed parking prohibition cones to guide the vehicle before Kim's arrival.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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