Yoon's Wife Kim Geon-hee "Deeply Reflects on Past Mistakes"
Yoon Seok-yeol, the wife of the People Power Party's presidential candidate Kim Geon-hee, is delivering a statement regarding allegations of false credentials at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 26th. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] On the 26th, Kim Geonhee, wife of Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, made a public apology regarding allegations of false career claims, which has led to mixed evaluations within the party.
Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, wrote on his Facebook that day, "I hope everyone will view the courage shown by the candidate's spouse today positively, even if there are some points that may seem somewhat lacking to each person."
He added, "I have said before that when the candidate's spouse takes public steps, it would be much better than the image captured by the media at times and places the candidate did not want, or when the opposing party raised suspicions."
He continued, "I hope the candidate's spouse will not be discouraged and will honestly and calmly play the necessary role for election victory in her original character."
Kim Jong-in, the general election campaign committee chairman, praised Kim's public apology, saying, "Overall, the message was good." In a phone interview with Yonhap News Agency that day, he said, "From the beginning, I said she should apologize. The campaign committee only said she should apologize, but the content was probably written by Kim herself."
Regarding whether Kim's public apology would serve as a turning point for Yoon's approval ratings, Kim said, "I think one obstacle has been removed. Now that one problem is solved, others must be dealt with."
Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, and the Policy Coordination Headquarters held a press conference on the morning of the 26th at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, regarding the "Common Sense Restoration Pledge - Virtuous Cycle of Growth and Welfare." [Image source=Yonhap News]
On the other hand, Representative Hong Joon-pyo, in the Q&A section of his online platform "Youth's Dream," where Hong answers youth concerns, responded to a netizen's question, "How do you view Kim's apology?" by asking back, "Do you think it can calm the public's anger?"
When another netizen asked, "Will Kim's public apology give a chance to Yoon Seok-yeol's already declining approval ratings?" Hong only replied, "Well..."
That day, Kim held a press conference at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, and apologized for the false career allegations, saying, "There were mistakes on my part in the process of balancing work and studies."
She bowed her head and said, "I deeply reflect on past mistakes and will be very careful not to fall short of the public's expectations."
Kim said, "There were mistakes on my part in the process of balancing work and studies. I exaggerated my career and wrote some things incorrectly to appear better," adding, "I should not have done that, and looking back, it was very shameful. Everything is my fault and negligence. Please forgive me. I sincerely apologize to the public."
She continued, "Even if my husband becomes president, I will faithfully fulfill my role as a wife. Please take back your anger," and added, "Even if you criticize me, Kim Geonhee, who made mistakes, I earnestly ask you not to take away your feelings for my husband, who has walked a very difficult and hard path. Once again, I apologize."
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