Veterans Minister Kwon O-eul attends interment ceremony

'We will look after his family with care and respect'

The late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok [National Fire Agency]
The late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok [National Fire Agency]

The Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs said the remains of the late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok, who died in the line of duty at a factory fire in Bucheon, will be interred at Seoul National Cemetery on Monday.

Following a funeral service at the Gyeonggi Province governor's official residence that morning, an interment ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. at Seoul National Cemetery in Dongjak-gu, Seoul, where Kim will be enshrined in the Chunghondang memorial hall. Veterans Minister Kwon O-eul will attend.

Kim, an 11-year veteran of the fire service, rushed into a burning metal injection and printing factory in Ojeong-gu, Bucheon on Friday as part of the first-response unit. He suffered critical injuries when the fire rapidly spread and was transported to a hospital, where he later died.

"We will remember together with the people the noble dedication and courage of the deceased, who without a moment's hesitation threw himself into the flames to protect the lives and safety of the public," Minister Kwon said. "We will not only give him a farewell befitting his sacrifice, but will also carefully look after the bereaved family so they can stand with pride and rebuild their lives."

The ministry said it would work closely with the National Fire Agency, the Ministry of Personnel Management and other related ministries to expedite Kim's registration as a person of national merit and ensure his family receives support commensurate with his sacrifice.


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