Lee Jae-myung on eldest son's gambling controversy: "I held him and cried... Problems arose while he was on trial"

Lee apologizes to the public over son's gambling controversy

Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, is giving a greeting at the presidential candidate meeting for small business owners and self-employed damage groups held at the Korea Federation of SMEs in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 20th. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 20th about the illegal gambling issue involving his eldest son Lee (29), "We held each other and cried," adding, "This happened at the end of 2018 when I was indicted (for violating election laws) and was mentally overwhelmed by the trial."

On the same day, Lee appeared on KBS Radio's 'Joo Jin-woo Live' and said, "I tend to talk a lot with my children. We have a drink sometimes, and I occasionally buy them meat," revealing this.

When asked if he had talked with his son after the gambling allegations were raised, Lee responded, "Of course (we met). We held each other and cried. It's regrettable..."

He also added, "Since having children is considered a parent's fault, I must take full responsibility. It is both regrettable and I feel sorry to the public."

Earlier, a recent media report alleged that Lee's eldest son Lee habitually engaged in illegal gambling from 2019 to 2020. According to the report, Lee posted writings about his online and offline gambling experiences under the nickname 'Igigosipda' (meaning 'I want to win') on an online poker site with servers located in the United States.

In response, Lee issued a statement saying, "The person who joined the card game site mentioned in the media report and posted writings is indeed my son," and "As a father, I bow my head and apologize together with my son to those who were disappointed by my son's disgraceful behavior." He continued, "It seems my son was tempted for a certain period," and added, "As a parent, I was lacking in teaching my child."

Regarding a question implying that "there are talks that some kind of scheme is behind the allegations," Lee said, "When I asked why the posts remain on that site, I was told, 'After withdrawing, I tried to delete them, but it is not allowed.' I wonder how this was discovered since even he cannot delete them. However, since I think the gambling itself is a problem, it is not appropriate for me to talk about that. I apologize for the wrongdoing."

Meanwhile, concerning the false career issue of Kim Gun-hee, wife of Yoon Seok-youl, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, Lee said, "Although it is painful, since we are choosing someone who will be responsible for the fate of the country, unlimited scrutiny should be applied to family members including my sons, the candidate himself, close associates, and anyone who could influence the exercise of authority."