Kim Gun-hee's 'National Apology'... Ruling Party: "No Sincerity" vs Opposition: "Positive Courage" (Summary)

Kim Gun-hee Apologizes Directly Over 'False Resume Allegations'
"I Exaggerated My Career... It Was All My Fault"
"Allegations Not Cleared," "Apology Show" Sparks Ruling Party Backlash
Opposition: "Courage Today... Hope She Doesn't Shrink Back"

Yoon Seok-yeol, the wife of the People Power Party's presidential candidate Kim Geon-hee, is delivering a statement regarding allegations of false credentials at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 26th. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Kim Gunhee, wife of Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, directly apologized for the so-called 'false resume allegations.' This appears to be an effort to prevent the controversy surrounding her from spreading as a 'family risk' to candidate Yoon. However, political reactions to Kim's apology have been mixed. While the ruling party responded with "the suspicions remain," the People Power Party gave a positive evaluation, calling it a 'courageous act.'

On the 26th at 3 p.m., Kim held a press conference at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, and bowed her head, saying, "Even if you criticize me, Kim Gunhee, who has made mistakes, I earnestly ask you not to take away the feelings for my husband, who has walked a very difficult and hard path."

Regarding the false resume allegations raised so far, she admitted, "There were mistakes on my part while balancing work and studies."

She continued, "There were times when I exaggerated my career to look better and wrote incorrectly," adding, "I shouldn't have done that, and looking back, it was a very shameful thing. Everything is my fault and negligence," repeatedly apologizing.

Kim emphasized, "Please forgive me. I sincerely offer my apologies," and added, "My heart breaks deeply at the reality that my husband is being criticized because of me. I will deeply reflect on my past mistakes and be careful not to fall short of the public's expectations."

Mr. Kim greeting after delivering the statement / Photo by Yonhap News

However, the Democratic Party criticized Kim's apology, saying, "The suspicions remain."

Nam Young-hee, spokesperson for the Democratic Party's election committee, said in a briefing that "the public's suspicions about the issues raised regarding Kim Gunhee have not been resolved," and added, "We hope today's apology reflects the sincere intentions of candidate Yoon and his wife."

Democratic Party lawmaker Jang Kyung-tae also criticized on his Facebook post, calling it "Kim Gunhee's apology show to the nation to her husband," and said, "Kim Gunhee held a national apology press conference, but only showed an insincere apology show, shedding crocodile tears."

Voices demanding candidate Yoon's stance also emerged. Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Chung-rae wrote on Facebook, "Is the false academic and career background allegation of wife Kim Gunhee a crime or not? If criminal charges are recognized, what level of punishment is appropriate? What is the suitable sentence?" demanding answers from candidate Yoon.

Lee Jun-seok, Leader of the People Power Party / Photo by Yonhap News

On the other hand, the People Power Party gave a positive evaluation, saying "It was courageous."

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, wrote on his Facebook that "I once said that when the candidate's spouse acts publicly, it would be much better than being caught by the media at times and places they do not want, amid suspicions raised by the opposing party," opening his remarks. This is interpreted as a positive evaluation of Kim's move to step forward and bow her head before the public.

He encouraged Kim, saying, "I hope the candidate's spouse does not shrink back but honestly and calmly plays the necessary role for election victory in her original personality."

He added, "I hope today's courage of the candidate's spouse will be positively evaluated, even if there are some shortcomings from each person's perspective."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.