Kim Hye-kyung Apologizes for 'Excessive Protocol' Controversy, Lee Jae-myung Says "Will Take Responsibility According to Regulations... Please Conduct a Thorough Audit"

Written statement on the 3rd... "Will take responsibility according to regulations if issues arise"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, apologized on the 3rd for allegations of his spouse Kim Hye-kyung's misuse of public official and corporate cards, saying, "I am sorry for causing concern due to the actions of an employee during my tenure in Gyeonggi Province," and "I express my apologies to the people."

In a statement released through the campaign headquarters on the same day, Candidate Lee said, "As governor, I failed to oversee the wrongful acts of employees, and my spouse also did not detect potentially problematic matters in advance." He added, "I thought I had tried to reflect on myself and those around me with stricter standards, but it was still insufficient," and "Taking this incident as an opportunity, I will think and act more prudently regarding myself, my family, and those around me."

Candidate Lee also stated, "Some media outlets have raised suspicions about inappropriate use of Gyeonggi Province corporate cards," and "I hope that auditing agencies will thoroughly investigate whether there was any improper use of corporate cards during my tenure as governor, including the reported content, to uncover the truth." He said, "If any issues are revealed, I will take responsibility according to regulations," and "Once again, I apologize to the people."

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