Dear people, I apologize for causing concerns. I believe that it is my duty to apologize even more than 100 times to the citizens, seeing you feel so afflicted by this situation.

My heart is heavy when I realize even with those apologies I won‘t be able to soothe all the disappointments and anger that I‘ve caused. Looking back, I’ve been so grateful for the past 18 precious years of my political career.

From when I first entered politics in 1998 until today as president, I have tried my best to work for the people and the country. I never pursued private interests or bore a single selfish motive. All those projects and incidents that are mentioned now were initiated for public interest, while I had no personal advantage from pursuing such projects.

But it is my fault that I did not take enough caution with the people around me. I will explain in detail about the incidents in the near future. I have spent every sleepless night thinking about what I should do for the sake of the country and people at this moment. 

I am here to let you know my decision. I will let the National Assembly decide my course of action, including the curtailment of my presidential term. Should the political circles suggest a way in which I may hand over power so as to minimize chaos and the vacuum in state affairs, I shall step down from the presidency according to the given timeline and legal procedure.

I have let everything go now. My only wish is for the country to get back to its original course.

Once again, I would like to apologize to all the people. I am sincerely hoping political parties reach a wise decision for a hopeful future of South Korea.