South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol apologised 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 the 140-minute press conference with an apology, standing up and bowing deeply.
