"Why Did You Talk for So Long..." Yoon Apologizes Again Over '7-Hour Call' Controversy

"Kim Geon-hee Call, Sorry to Those Who Felt Unpleasant or Hurt"
"Unilateral Recording Reported by Public Broadcasting, Morally Inappropriate"

Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party's presidential candidate, once again apologized for the controversy surrounding his spouse Kim Gun-hee's '7-hour phone call.' However, he pointed out that it was inappropriate for the public broadcaster to report on the one-sided recording.

On the 27th, Yoon appeared on SBS's 'Jooyoungjin's News Briefing' and stated, "Originally, trust is built over a long period of relationship... I think it was inappropriate to have such a unnecessarily long phone call with the other party."

He said, "I have my own reasons for the call, but as the wife of a public figure, I feel sorry to those who were uncomfortable or hurt by the call records." However, he pointed out, "Regardless of whether the one-sided recording by the other party constitutes a criminal offense, it is inappropriate from the perspective of broadcasting ethics and responsibility for a public broadcaster to report on something that is morally wrong."

When asked about reports that Kim is considering issuing an additional apology, he said, "Nothing has been decided. I think the article is probably based on speculation."

Regarding Kim's official appearance, he replied, "Isn't her decision important? No matter how much we are a couple, just as I do not interfere in what my wife does, I think she is considering what role she will play in what I do."

Regarding concerns about the 'palm Wang (王) character' and 'shamanism' controversy, and worries that national policies might be decided based on shamanism, Yoon said, "I apologize for causing unnecessary misunderstandings," but added, "The Democratic Party forms a shamanism committee and appoints a chairman every election. From that perspective, (the ruling party's offensive using the shamanism controversy) is really inconsistent." He continued, "Connecting the shamanism controversy to public decision-making itself is an excessive claim."