South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol issued a public apology on Thursday regarding the controversies involving his wife, First Lady Kim Keon-hee. In a televised address, Yoon acknowledged the concerns raised by her actions and expressed his remorse, making this the first formal apology of his presidency. He also bowed deeply as a sign of sincere regret.
The controversies include allegations of accepting a luxury Dior handbag as a gift and involvement in stock manipulation. While Yoon admitted that his wife’s conduct could have been more cautious, he criticized the portrayal of her in some instances as excessively “demonized” and described certain accusations as “exaggerated.”
In his televised address, President Yoon Suk Yeol acknowledged his wife Kim Keon-hee’s controversial actions, which have sparked public outrage. Kim faced criticism for allegedly accepting a luxury Dior handbag from a Korean-American pastor and her involvement in a stock manipulation scheme.
Yoon took full responsibility for the situation, stating that his failure to address earlier issues stemmed from his shortcomings. He emphasized that the president’s role is not to make excuses and apologized deeply to the public for the concerns caused by these events.
Yoon also defended his wife, claiming that her actions had been excessively “demonized,” with some allegations being exaggerated or fabricated. While acknowledging that Kim should have exercised more caution, the president firmly rejected the opposition’s proposal for a special counsel investigation into her activities, calling it “unconstitutional” and politically motivated. He expressed his opposition to the bill from the Democratic Party, labeling it as an effort to stir political controversy rather than address genuine concerns.
Amidst the mounting allegations, Yoon vowed to take action to ensure better oversight of his wife’s public role. He announced the creation of an office dedicated to overseeing Kim’s official duties, emphasizing that her external activities would be strictly controlled. He also declared that Kim’s public engagements would be suspended unless necessary for diplomatic or national interests.
The controversies, including accusations of the First Lady’s interference in the ruling party’s candidate nominations and links to a political broker, have contributed to a decline in Yoon’s popularity. His apology, however, appears to restore public trust and address the growing concerns surrounding his administration. While many critics have expressed disappointment over his handling of the situation, Yoon’s apology and establishment of an oversight office signal a shift in his approach to the ongoing controversies.
President Yoon Suk Yeol also addressed growing concerns over North Korea’s alleged involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stating that South Korea may reconsider its stance on arms support to Ukraine depending on the extent of North Korea’s participation.
Yoon confirmed that Seoul, backed by the US and NATO, believes North Korea has sent troops to Russia, with the possibility of adjusting its support strategy in phases. He emphasized that the option of providing weapons to Ukraine remains on the table, signaling a shift in South Korea’s foreign policy depending on the evolving situation.
