Lee publicly apologizes over graft scandal
Source: Agencies |
July 25, 2012, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
SOUTH Korean President Lee Myung-bak issued a public apology yesterday for what he said was "unsavory" conduct by people close to him, two weeks after his brother was arrested in a graft scandal that also sent some of his close aides to jail.
Lee's apology on live national TV, where he bowed deeply and said he had nobody to blame but himself, marked the latest blow to the political credibility of a leader who had vowed to clean up the corruption-prone image of South Korea's leadership.
"I bow my head in apology to the people for causing concern over these matter," Lee said.
"It is all my fault. I will willingly accept any rebuke."
Lee's brother was arrested earlier this month for allegedly accepting half a million dollars from two detained bankers with the intention of using his influence to help them avoid punishment.
A Seoul court said that a former aide to the president was arrested yesterday on suspicion of taking money from one of the bankers. Prosecutors are also investigating another former aide suspected of receiving gold from another banker.
The scandal is a major embarrassment for the ruling party ahead of a presidential election in December.
Lee's single, five-year term ends early next year.
Lee's apology on live national TV, where he bowed deeply and said he had nobody to blame but himself, marked the latest blow to the political credibility of a leader who had vowed to clean up the corruption-prone image of South Korea's leadership.
"I bow my head in apology to the people for causing concern over these matter," Lee said.
"It is all my fault. I will willingly accept any rebuke."
Lee's brother was arrested earlier this month for allegedly accepting half a million dollars from two detained bankers with the intention of using his influence to help them avoid punishment.
A Seoul court said that a former aide to the president was arrested yesterday on suspicion of taking money from one of the bankers. Prosecutors are also investigating another former aide suspected of receiving gold from another banker.
The scandal is a major embarrassment for the ruling party ahead of a presidential election in December.
Lee's single, five-year term ends early next year.
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