During the Icheon Logistics Center Fire... Lee Jae-myung Films 'Tteokbokki Mukbang' with Hwang Kyo-ik

YouTube Broadcast Recorded on June 17 Fire Incident
Visited Fire Site About 20 Hours Later and Received Report
"Irresponsible and Reckless" - Flood of Criticism from Ruling and Opposition Presidential Candidates

Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung (right) eating tteokbokki on the YouTube channel 'Hwang Kyo-ik TV' with food columnist Hwang Kyo-ik / Photo by YouTube channel 'Hwang Kyo-ik TV' capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] It has been reported that Lee Jae-myung, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, recorded a YouTube broadcast hosted by food columnist Hwang Kyo-ik during the large fire at the Coupang Deokpyeong Logistics Center in Icheon, Gyeonggi Province last June. The situation was urgent, with one of the firefighters who fought the fire losing his life at the scene. Presidential candidates from both ruling and opposition parties criticized Governor Lee, asking, "Was filming a mukbang more important than the large fire?" and demanded a detailed disclosure of his whereabouts on the day of the fire.

The Icheon logistics center fire occurred around 5:30 a.m. on June 17 at the Deokpyeong Logistics Center. The fire reportedly started from a power strip inside the logistics center and quickly spread throughout the entire building. During the fire suppression, Kim Dong-sik, a 119 rescue team leader from the Gwangju Fire Station in Gyeonggi, was found isolated alone inside the building while conducting a search for survivors and was discovered dead two days later.

Meanwhile, suspicions arose that on the day of the fire, Governor Lee visited Changwon in Gyeongsangnam-do and in the afternoon recorded a broadcast for 'Hwang Kyo-ik TV,' hosted by Mr. Hwang.

According to a media outlet on the 19th, Governor Lee was seen eating tteokbokki at a street food stall and conversing with Mr. Hwang. Mr. Hwang was recently appointed as the new president of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization but announced his voluntary resignation on the 20th.

Governor Lee reportedly arrived at the fire scene around 1:30 a.m. on June 18, approximately 20 hours after the fire broke out, and after receiving a report on the suppression status, he inspected the site.

When allegations surfaced that Governor Lee filmed a YouTube broadcast with Mr. Hwang on the day of the logistics center fire, presidential candidates from both ruling and opposition parties unanimously criticized him and demanded explanations.

The Coupang Deokpyeong Logistics Center burned down on June 19, revealing its framework / Photo by Yonhap News

On the 19th, Bae Jae-jung, spokesperson for former Democratic Party leader and presidential candidate Lee Nak-yeon’s camp, stated, "According to reports, Governor Lee pressed on with his schedule in Changwon on the day of the fire and only arrived at the accident site at 1:32 a.m. on June 18, about 20 hours after the fire alarm sounded." She added, "If true, this is an irresponsible and reckless act that is unacceptable for the person ultimately responsible for disaster and accident management in Gyeonggi Province."

She further urged, "Candidate Lee Jae-myung should sincerely explain himself to the public."

Lee Gi-in, spokesperson for former lawmaker and People Power Party presidential candidate Yoo Seung-min’s camp, also released a statement saying, "If Governor Lee appeared on a broadcast knowing that a firefighter had died at the scene of the fire, he has neglected his duty to protect the lives of the province’s residents," criticizing him.

Former Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong wrote on Facebook that day, "For Governor Lee, Hwang Kyo-ik TV is more important than the large fire at the logistics center and the isolation of the firefighter." He criticized, "If he has any conscience, he should resign not only from the presidential race but also from his governorship."

He continued, "While the entire nation was worried about the life or death of rescue team leader Kim Dong-sik, Lee Jae-myung appeared on Hwang Kyo-ik TV. Even when public safety issues arise and firefighters are in danger, if he wants to do YouTube, he does it." He pointed out, "It is extremely outrageous for such a candidate Lee Jae-myung to talk about responsibility to the residents. It is not a matter of voluntary resignation due to abuse of gubernatorial power, but rather that the residents of Gyeonggi Province should dismiss him."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.