'If It Had Rained' Kim Seong-won, Public Apology... "I Will Accept the Punishment"

On the Morning of the 12th, Held a Public Apology Press Conference at the National Assembly
"I Will Reflect and Atonate to the People for Life"

Kim Seong-won, a member of the People Power Party, held a public apology press conference on the 12th at the National Assembly Communication Office in Yeouido, Seoul, apologizing for his remark made the previous day at a flood recovery volunteer site, "Honestly, I wish it would rain a little so the photos come out well." (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporters Bomryeong Geum, Hyunji Kwon] Kim Seong-won, a member of the People Power Party who caused controversy by making inappropriate remarks during volunteer activities at flood damage sites, has issued a public apology.

On the morning of the 12th, Rep. Kim held a press conference at the National Assembly to apologize to the public, saying, "I am truly sorry. I feel deeply ashamed and devastated," and added, "Once again, I kneel and apologize."

He continued, "Instead of comforting those affected by the flood damage, I caused concern. I will reflect and atone for life to the citizens who were hurt and angered by my careless words. I fully understand that no words can undo my mistakes," he said.

The day before, Rep. Kim sparked controversy by saying, "Honestly, I hope it rains a bit so the photos come out well," during a party-level volunteer activity in Dongjak-gu, Seoul.

Rep. Kim said, "I earnestly ask the public not to reject the sincerity of the People Power Party members who are engaged in flood recovery," and added, "I will stay at the flood damage sites until the recovery is complete."

He also emphasized, "I will accept any disciplinary action the party imposes on me due to this incident," and said, "I will also resign from my sole position as the Budget and Accounts Special Committee secretary. If I can comfort the hearts of the citizens hurt by me even a little, I will do everything I can with all my strength."

However, Rep. Kim left the press conference without answering reporters' questions such as "What measures do you have?" and "Did you have any discussions with the Emergency Response Committee Chair?"

Earlier, Emergency Response Committee Chair Joo Ho-young said about Rep. Kim, "It is truly devastating and shameful to cause controversy with incomprehensible remarks, making it impossible to face the public and party members," and added, "I think we cannot avoid going through the Ethics Committee procedures."