Seoul: President Yoon Suk Yeol extended an apology Thursday amidst escalating controversies surrounding his wife, First Lady Kim Keon Hee, and pledged to overhaul state affairs. Yoon's apology came during a televised address and press conference marking the midpoint of his term, where he outlined future policy directions.According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon stood up, bowed his head, and admitted that his actions have caused public concern, attributing the issues to his own shortcomings. He stressed that the president's role is not to offer excuses, presenting a "heartfelt apology" to the citizens. Yoon's approval ratings have recently dropped below 20 percent, driven partly by allegations of his past association with self-proclaimed power broker Myung Tae-kyun and issues involving the first lady.Yoon acknowledged that, despite his continuous efforts for the citizens over the past two and a half years, there have been "shortcomings from the people's perspective." He admitted that his initiatives might hav e caused discomfort and addressed concerns over those close to him causing public distress.The controversies surrounding First Lady Kim include allegations of accepting a luxury handbag, involvement in stock manipulation, and participating in government affairs. Yoon remarked that Kim should have been more cautious, admitting it was wrong for her actions to cause public concern. He announced the appointment of a secretary to establish an office dedicated to supporting the first lady's activities.Regarding Kim's public engagements, Yoon stated she would limit her activities to those necessary for diplomatic and national interests. He opposed a proposed bill by the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) for a special counsel to investigate his wife's allegations, labeling it "unconstitutional" and "political propaganda."The DP intends to pass the special counsel bill at the Assembly's plenary session next Thursday, following a previously vetoed and scrapped bill. The new bill expands the investigation scop e to include recent allegations that Kim sought Myung Tae-kyun's help for public opinion surveys favoring Yoon before the 2022 presidential election.Yoon denied any inappropriate involvement with Myung in the election meddling scandal and emphasized his transparency. Amidst criticism for missing the parliamentary budget speech - the first such absence by a sitting president in 11 years - Yoon criticized the DP's antagonistic actions, including submitting special counsel bills and impeachment motions against his appointees. He expressed willingness to attend the National Assembly next year, provided opposition lawmakers show respect.To advance his key reform initiatives on health care, pensions, labor, and education, Yoon seeks cooperation with the Democratic Party, which holds a significant majority in the National Assembly. He also intends to establish the Ministry of Population Strategy to address Korea's low birth rate and promised a comprehensive reshuffle of the Cabinet and presidential office to ali gn with public expectations.
- October 12, 2026
