South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol recently issued a public apology, bowing profoundly and expressing regret over controversies surrounding his administration, including allegations involving First Lady Kim Keon Hee and former official Myung Tae Kyun. Yet, Yoon rejected opposition claims about public opinion manipulation, meddling in political nominations, and issues concerning the Changwon industrial complex.
During an address at the Yongsan Presidential Office, Yoon stated, “As president, I won’t offer excuses. The responsibility is mine, and I am to blame. My actions have caused concern and worry among the people.”
In a follow-up press conference lasting over two hours, Yoon fielded 26 questions about the allegations involving himself and his wife. He acknowledged they “should have been more cautious” and regretted “causing worry to the public.” At the same time, he defended his wife, calling the accusations against her baseless exaggerations. Yoon insisted that his relationship with Myung was “nothing inappropriate” and that he had “nothing to hide.”
Addressing the scrutiny of Ms. Kim’s public role, Yoon asserted, “If state misconduct means the First Lady supporting the president’s work without public discontent, then perhaps we need to revise the definition.” He emphasized that they had already scaled back her public engagements and would continue to limit them.
On suspicions around his conversations with Mr. Myung, Yoon declared, “I’ve done nothing improper regarding Mr. Myung and have no hidden actions to reveal.” He dismissed claims of opinion polling manipulation, arguing, “I never asked Mr. Myung to conduct a poll, and given that the results were favorable, there was no need for interference.”
Yoon also pushed back against accusations of meddling in nominations, suggesting that “nomination interference” needed a clearer definition. He pointed out that “the party’s nomination committee and supreme council finalized strategic nominations.” As for the Changwon industrial complex allegations, he labeled them as a “smear campaign,” asserting, “There is no factual basis for an apology.”
Responding to the opposition’s move to initiate a special investigation into Ms. Kim, with a bill slated for November 14, Yoon condemned it as “political agitation” and argued it violated the democratic principle of separation of powers.
Amid an approval rating that has dipped into the 10% range, Yoon vowed to “show the people change, renewal, and a more competent image.” Downplaying the importance of approval metrics, he said, “Numbers don’t tell the whole story. Athletes don’t just look at the scoreboard—they focus on the game. I’ve had this mindset since the election, and it hasn’t changed.”
Addressing rumored tensions with former Prime Minister Han Duck Soo, cited as contributing to his low approval rating, Yoon dismissed the conflict as temporary. “If we work diligently for the public, those issues will resolve on their own. The government and party will each do their part, and our relationship will improve.”