Kim Hye-kyung Apologizes at First Official Appearance Amid 'Excessive Protocol' Controversy: "Once Again, Sorry to the People"

"Even after the election, if responsible, will take responsibility"
Regarding whistleblower Mr. A, "Never communicated directly... He is a victim"

Kim Hye-kyung, spouse of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, is offering a public apology on the 9th at the Central Party Office in Yeouido, Seoul, ahead of a press conference to apologize for the excessive protocol controversy. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Kim Hye-kyung, the spouse of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, officially apologized for the first time on the 9th regarding the controversy over excessive protocol.

At 5 p.m. that day, Kim held a press conference at the Democratic Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, and said, "I once again apologize to the people for the incidents caused by my shortcomings."

She continued, "The public official Mr. Bae, who has been reported in the media, is someone I have had a long-standing relationship with. Because of this long relationship, I sometimes received various help," adding, "As the spouse of a public official, I should have been cautious in every aspect and clearly distinguished between public and private matters, but I was very lacking."

She then emphasized, "I will do my best to ensure that the truth is revealed through investigation and audit," and "Even after the election, I will sincerely explain the raised suspicions and take full responsibility until the end."

When asked by reporters whether she had direct communication with whistleblower Mr. A, Kim drew a line by saying, "The Mr. Bae reported in the media is someone I have known for a long time since the Seongnam mayoral election," and "Mr. A was introduced to me by Mr. Bae when I first came to Gyeonggi Province, and the only time we met was on the first day; after that, there was no communication or meeting."

When asked about the extent of facts she acknowledges, including misuse of corporate cards amid various allegations raised through the media, she avoided a direct answer by saying, "I heard that investigations and audits are underway," and "I will cooperate to the best of my ability until the substantive truth is revealed, and if there is responsibility, I will take it."

Regarding her previous written apology stating that there was no constant assistance, she said, "I do not intend to evade responsibility by saying I did not know the relationship between Mr. A and Mr. Bae; it is my fault." When asked about her stance on secondary harm to Mr. A, Kim paused briefly before answering, "I think Mr. A is a victim."

Earlier, on the 2nd, Kim issued a written apology through the party, expressing regret for causing public concern by stating that everything was her fault, and subsequently suspended her activities as the candidate’s spouse. The candidate Lee also apologized on the 3rd through a statement, saying, "I apologize for causing concern due to the issue involving an employee who worked during my tenure in Gyeonggi Province," and "I hope the audit agency thoroughly investigates whether there was inappropriate use of corporate cards during my time as governor, including the reported matters, to uncover the truth."

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