UPDATE - South Korean president apologizes over first lady’s controversies

ADDS COMMENTS FROM SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT ON NORTH KOREA

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol apologized Thursday for controversies surrounding his wife, first lady Kim Keon-hee, and opposed a bill introduced by the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) calling for a special counsel investigation into the allegations against her.

In a televised speech, President Yoon addressed concerns over Kim, who has faced criticism for accepting a luxury handbag as a gift from a Korean American pastor, her alleged involvement in a stock manipulation scheme, and alleged meddling in government affairs.

"I believe the role of the president is not to make excuses. All of this is due to my own shortcomings and lack of virtue," Yoon said, offering a "heartfelt apology" to the public.

Kim has been accused of influencing the ruling People Power Party's candidate nominations ahead of last April’s general elections.

However, prosecutors decided not to indict her for her alleged role in the stock scheme with Deutsch Motors Inc., a BMW dealer, saying she was unaware that her accounts were used for manipulation.

"She should have conducted herself with greater caution, and the fact that she has caused concern to the public is unquestionably wrong," Yoon said, calling the opposition's bill for a special counsel "unconstitutional" and "political propaganda."

On North Korea's alleged deployment of soldiers to Russia, Yoon said he did not rule out reviewing Seoul's policy of arms support to Ukraine.

South Korea, backed by the US and NATO, claims that Pyongyang sent thousands of troops to Russia.
"Depending on the level of North Korean involvement, we will gradually adjust our support strategy in phases," Yoon said.

"This means we are not ruling out the possibility of providing weapons."

*Islamuddin Sajid contributed to the story from Pakistan