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Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik (center) shakes hands with firefighters during a luncheon at the presidential office in Yongsan, Seoul, on November 5, ahead of Firefighters’ Day. / Source: Presidential Office

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik on November 5 pledged that the Lee Jae-myung administration “will become the 119 for firefighters,” expressing deep gratitude for their dedication to public safety.

Meeting with firefighters over lunch at the presidential office in Yongsan, Kang said, “I always feel indebted to those who quietly protect the lives and safety of our people, which is the state’s foremost duty,” according to Deputy Spokesperson Jeon Eun-soo.

Kang thanked firefighters for their work responding to wildfires, heavy rains, landslides, and droughts this year, calling them “true national heroes who are the first to enter dangerous sites and the last to leave.”

He also vowed that “extraordinary sacrifice and devotion must be met with appropriate compensation” and promised the government’s full support to improve firefighters’ working conditions.

Listening to their concerns about emergency room overcrowding, medical helicopter operations, and ambulance staffing, Kang said he would “personally convey the issues to the president.”

He further emphasized that “a firefighter’s duty does not end when they save a life—it is complete only when they return safely to their families and colleagues.”

The luncheon was held in honor of the 63rd Firefighters’ Day on November 9, recognizing those who have dedicated themselves to protecting citizens’ lives and safety. President Lee was originally scheduled to attend but canceled due to health reasons.