[Full Text] Lee Jae-myung Admits Son's Habitual Gambling Allegations "I Bow My Head in Apology as a Father... I Have Shortcomings as a Parent"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, acknowledged and officially apologized on the 16th for allegations of his eldest son's habitual illegal gambling reported by a media outlet.

In an apology statement distributed through the campaign headquarters that day, Lee said, "The person who joined the card game site mentioned in the media report and posted messages is indeed my son," adding, "It seems my son was tempted for a certain period. As a parent, I was lacking in teaching my child."

He added, "My son is deeply reflecting on his actions. He is very distressed about himself. I advised him that taking proper responsibility is the way to overcome that distress."

Lee said, "I bow my head and apologize together with my son to those who were disappointed by my son's disgraceful behavior as a father. I will ensure that such an incident never happens again. He will also receive treatment."

Full text of the official apology

The person who joined the card game site mentioned in the media report and posted messages is indeed my son. It seems my son was tempted for a certain period. As a parent, I was lacking in teaching my child.

My son is deeply reflecting on his actions. He is very distressed about himself. I advised him that taking proper responsibility is the way to overcome that distress.

I bow my head and apologize together with my son to those who were disappointed by my son's disgraceful behavior as a father. I will ensure that such an incident never happens again. He will also receive treatment.

- Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung