Kim Seung-ryong, the head of the National Fire Agency who had been under a presidential audit over allegations including junket-style business trips, has been dismissed. The dismissal came three weeks after the inspection began in earnest.
The National Fire Agency said on the 12th that Kim was dismissed effective the 15th. Kim had served as acting head of the agency for six months starting last September, after former chief Heo Seok-gon was removed from his post over allegations of involvement in the Dec. 3 martial law declaration. He was subsequently appointed as the new fire agency chief in March this year, but stepped down just three months into his tenure while under presidential audit. The specific grounds for the audit of Kim were not disclosed. However, it was reported that allegations had been raised, including the private use of emergency fire vehicles and junket-style overseas trips.
Choi Yong-cheol, the dedicated acting chief of the Gyeonggi Fire and Disaster Headquarters, has been appointed as the new deputy chief of the National Fire Agency to carry out Kim's duties. Choi, promoted from fire superintendent to senior fire superintendent, will begin his duties from the 15th.
A native of Boeun County, North Chungcheong Province, Choi was commissioned in 1999 as a member of the 10th class of fire officer candidates. He has served as head of the Gwangju Fire Station in Gyeonggi, head of the Sejong Fire Headquarters, director of the National Fire Agency's response planning division, dedicated acting head of the Central Fire School, and head of the South Jeolla Fire Headquarters.
Choi is known within the National Fire Agency as a figure with rational leadership who values communication and harmony within the organization. He is also regarded as having strong on-site command capability, drive, and ample administrative experience.
