President Yoon Suk Yeol bows in apology to the public during an address ahead of a press conference at the presidential office in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap President opposes special counsel investigation into Kim Keon Hee President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized to the public on Thursday for a series of controversies involving first lady Kim Keon Hee. In a televised press conference, he acknowledged that his wife's carelessness had caused public concern.
He stood up and bowed deeply, the first such apology he has made during his term. The apology has come amid growing allegations, including the presidential couple's interference in the ruling party's candidate selection in a 2022 by-election, their suspicious links to a political broker, Kim's involvement in a stock manipulation case and her acceptance of a luxury bag as a gift. Yoon, however, showed his clear objection to an opposition-led special counsel investigation bill targeting the first lady, calling it "unconstitutional" and "inappropriate.
" Yoon started off the 140-minute press conference with the apology. "I have caused concern and worry to the public over matters related to those around me," he said. "The role of the president is not one for making excuses; the responsibility is mine, and it stems from my shortcomings.
I sincerely apologize and express my deepest regrets." He called his wife's actions "indiscreet" and vowed to minimize her external activities and roles. "Taking current public sentiment fully into account,.