What did President Lee Jae Myung say at the National Fire Hospital opening in Eumseong?

Lee said the state’s primary duty is to protect people’s lives and safety. He linked that duty to the work of firefighters, saying they are at the forefront at accident sites and in disasters.

What is the National Fire Hospital and who can receive care there?

It is the country’s first general hospital dedicated to firefighters and other first responders. The hospital also provides care for police officers, their family members and local residents.

How will the National Fire Hospital be used by the government and the region?

Lee said the hospital will also function as a regional public health care hub in North Chungcheong Province. He pledged relevant government support and investment for that role.

Lee says state's primary duty is to protect people's lives, safety

Listen

Summary

President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, that the state’s primary duty is to protect people’s lives and safety. He made the remarks at the opening ceremony for the National Fire Hospital, which began operations in June. Lee said the hospital will care for firefighters, police officers, their family members and local residents, and serve as a regional public health care hub.

Key Facts

The National Fire Hospital is located in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province.
The hospital is the country’s first general hospital dedicated to treating firefighters and other first responders.
The hospital began operations in June to provide health care services to firefighters, police officers, their family members and local residents.
Lee pledged relevant government support and investment for the hospital’s role as a regional public health care hub.

By Yonhap

Published Aug 11, 2026 9:23 pm KST

President Lee Jae Myung takes a selfie with employees at National Fire Hospital in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, after attending a ceremony to launch the hospital, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps

President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday reiterated that the state's primary duty is to ensure the safety of the people and protect their lives.

Lee made the remarks in a ceremony marking the opening of the country's first hospital dedicated to treating first responders.

"The primary duty of the state is to protect its people's lives and safety," Lee said in a speech.

Firefighters are at the forefront of carrying out this duty at accident sites and in disasters, the president noted, highlighting that thanks to their efforts, the public can go about their daily lives safely and peacefully.

The National Fire Hospital in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, is the country's first general hospital dedicated to treating firefighters and other first responders, and conducting research tailored to their occupational health needs.

The hospital began operations in June to provide health care services to firefighters, police officers and their family members, as well as local residents.

"I hope this National Fire Hospital can serve as a trustworthy place of care that deeply understands and treats you," the president said, addressing first responders.

The hospital will also serve as a regional public health care hub in North Chungcheong Province, Lee said, pledging relevant government support and investment.

"I am confident that a country where heroes who save people's lives in the most dangerous places are protected and cared for ... is a truly exemplary country."

Explore More