Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok was visiting the wake of a firefighter killed in a Bucheon factory fire when his escort vehicle occupied an emergency-patient-only parking zone

Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok leaves the funeral hall at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, on Sunday after paying his respects at the wake of the late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok, who died in the line of duty in a Bucheon factory fire. [Yonhap]
Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok leaves the funeral hall at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, on Sunday after paying his respects at the wake of the late Fire Lieutenant Kim Jin-seok, who died in the line of duty in a Bucheon factory fire. [Yonhap]

The vehicle that carried Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok to the wake of a firefighter killed while battling a factory fire in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, has been identified as belonging to the office of Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Tae-seon, amid a controversy over its use of an emergency-patient-only parking zone.

Kim Tae-seon said Monday on Facebook that the vehicle parked in the emergency-patient-only zone during the condolence visit belonged to her office. "There is no excuse for this, regardless of the reason — it is entirely my fault," she said.

"I sincerely apologize to the public for the concern this has caused, and I will take special care to ensure this never happens again," she added.

Kim Tae-seon serves as chief of staff to Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok.

KBS first reported Sunday that a vehicle accompanying Kim Min-seok to the wake, held at the funeral hall of Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, had been parked in the emergency-patient-only zone.

The outlet explained that the zone is off-limits not only to the general public and outpatient or inpatient visitors, but also to family members accompanying emergency patients, who are required to move to a different parking area once the patient has been checked in. The vehicle carrying Kim remained in the emergency-patient-only zone for about 30 minutes, the report said.

On Sunday, Kim told reporters at the scene, "I offer my deepest condolences to the firefighter who sacrificed his life protecting public safety," and pledged to work to ensure the state and government do more to protect the safety and lives of firefighters. He then exchanged greetings with other Democratic Party figures before returning to the vehicle and leaving the hospital.

After the controversy over excessive protocol and potential obstruction of emergency patient access erupted, the vehicle's driver explained that staff at the scene had directed him to park in that zone, and that he moved the vehicle immediately upon realizing it was reserved for emergency vehicles.


jshan@heraldcorp.com