Sim Sang-jung Criticizes 'Kim Hye-kyung Excessive Protocol'... Lee "My Fault Without Excuse"

Lee Jae-myung Apologizes Again for Spouse-Related Allegations in TV Debate on the 11th

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is preparing for a broadcast at the '2022 Presidential Candidate Invitation Debate' hosted by the Korea Journalists Association and jointly organized by six broadcasting companies, held on the afternoon of the 11th at the Maeil Business Newspaper Media Center in Jung-gu, Seoul. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporters Bomryeong Geum, Hyunji Kwon] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, once again apologized on the 11th during a TV debate regarding the controversy over 'excessive protocol' involving his spouse Kim Hye-kyung.

Sim Sang-jung, the presidential candidate of the Justice Party, stated during the TV debate hosted by the Korea Journalists Association that evening, "The issue of spousal protocol is not a private matter. I consider it a matter related to the candidate's qualifications and view it very seriously," adding, "Mayors or governors cannot have staff dedicated to spousal protocol. However, the personnel authority over the former secretary Bae Mo, who became an issue, was held by this candidate. This is why I see this incident not as a spousal risk but as a risk related to the candidate himself."

In response, the candidate said, "Since the person involved was someone very close in a private relationship and entered as a special appointment, they mainly helped with official duties, and as a result, it seems that the boundary was crossed and private assistance was received," adding, "Without any excuse, this is my fault and I failed to manage it strictly, so I apologize once again."

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