The Democratic Party criticized President Yoon Suk Yeol’s private apology on the 17th, stating, “It’s absurd that he said ‘I’m sorry’ in a private meeting, after showing no remorse and insisting that the direction of his policies was correct during the live broadcast of the cabinet meeting.”
Democratic Party spokesperson Park Sung Joon stated in a National Assembly Communication Hall briefing, “Can’t he even muster the courage to apologize?”
Yoon acknowledged the shortcomings and promised to listen to the public sentiment through his public remarks at the cabinet meeting the previous day regarding the ruling party’s defeat in the April 10th general election. However, he did not use the term apology. Yet, in a subsequent private meeting, he reportedly said, “I’m sorry to the people,” according to a high-ranking official from the Presidential Office.
Park questioned, “What message did the President convey that all the people heard through the live broadcast? Is he trying to test the public’s patience again?” He pointed out, “The public saw the unchanging President, and it’s absurd to think that they would believe he apologized privately after the fact.”
He continued, “The Presidential Office, surprised by the public’s anger, has no choice but to believe they made up the ridiculous excuse of a private apology to cover up the President’s stubbornness and autocracy.
It’s pathetic and bold for the President who doesn’t even dare to admit his mistakes and the Presidential Office that deceives the public with excuses.”
He urged, “If the President truly acknowledges his mistakes, he should formally apologize to the public at an open press conference. Don’t speak unilaterally; answer the reporters’ questions.”
Hong Ihk Pyo, the head of the party’s parliamentary group, also criticized the President at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly. He criticized, “The President’s stance sounds like a declaration of ‘my way,’ insisting on continuing his arrogant, autocratic, and insensible politics. There’s no remorse, just excuses. It’s a truly infuriating message.”
He continued, “Was it to make this statement that he remained silent for five days? I don’t see any difference from the 55-character statement announced the day after the election. It’s better not to make a statement at all.”