South Korean President in turmoil

(Baonghean) - The image of a woman at the top of Korean politics sadly apologizing to the public was broadcast on many mass media inside and outside of Korea on November 4.

Amid a political scandal weighing heavily on the Park Geun-hye administration, the politician's pledge to cooperate with prosecutors to specifically investigate the case is an effort to calm the waves of public opinion that have been rising in recent weeks.

South Korean President in a speech at the Blue House on November 4. Photo: CNN.

2 weeks - 2 apologies

If there were a vote, the most prominent figure on the world political stage last week would undoubtedly be South Korean President Park Geun-hye. It is not an exaggeration to say that the scandalous heat currently emanating from Seoul is no less intense than the US election race, with its frequent appearances on the news.

In her latest move, in a televised speech on November 4, President Park took personal responsibility for the abuse of power scandal that has cast a dark cloud over her administration, and promised to cooperate closely with the investigation agency. “Everything that is happening is my fault” - the second apology in the past two weeks since the scandal involving the head of state was discovered.

Korea's number 1 woman further affirmed that she is not controlled or dominated by anyone, as a way to quell many conflicting rumors that are spreading rapidly in public opinion.

To “measure” the relative level of turmoil that the recent incident has caused in Korean politics, Gallup conducted a quick poll and released the results on November 4. Accordingly, the female President’s approval rating has dropped by 12 percentage points compared to last week, down to only 5% - a number considered to be a record low in the history of conducting polls of this type since 1988.

Perhaps aware of the severity of the looming crisis, Ms. Park told reporters that prosecutors needed to investigate the incident clearly, and that those involved needed to take responsibility for any mistakes, including herself. The 64-year-old leader could not contain her emotions: “I can hardly forgive myself, and I can’t sleep at night when I feel so sad.”

Half believing, half doubting

According to Reuters, South Korean prosecutors declined to comment when asked whether Ms. Park would have to participate in the questioning process of investigators - something unprecedented for a sitting South Korean President.

However, opposition party leaders have expressed concerns that Park's apology lacked sincerity. Choo Mi-ae, chairwoman of the Democratic Party of Korea, in a recent statement, although she did not demand Park's resignation, said bluntly: "The president should stop meddling in national affairs."

Throughout the history of South Korea, no president has had to stop midway through a five-year term. But this possibility is not impossible when Ms. Park is currently struggling to face many demands from the people and political opponents for her to resign. President Park's close advisor circle is also showing cracks, when the second member of her team was arrested this week on suspicion of leaking confidential information.

Not only limited to the political sphere, the scandal is proving to be "bloated" by affecting the financial market, causing the won and stock prices to fall compared to last week, with investors feeling uncertain due to concerns about the political situation.

South Koreans take to the streets to protest the President after the scandal.

Remembering old friends

At the center of the scandal is Ms. Park’s longtime friend, Ms. Choi Soon-sil, 60, who is accused of using her closeness to the South Korean leader to interfere in state affairs. Her lawyer recently said he is waiting for the prosecution to specifically investigate whether Ms. Choi received inappropriate classified documents and whether rumors that she illegally profited from two nonprofit organizations are true.

Meanwhile, for her part, when mentioning her close friend, Ms. Park said: "It is regrettable that an individual is accused of selfishness and violating some laws, while we are cooperating with the hope of helping the national economy as well as the lives of the people."

That was all the South Korean President concluded his speech, bowed and turned to the reporters, repeating his apology. The leader did not answer any further questions. Ms. Park had previously admitted that in her relationship with Ms. Choi, the President had “lowered her guard” against the person who had helped her during the most difficult times of her life.

The beginning of such a troubled friendship was when Ms. Park had to assume the duties of First Lady, after her mother died taking a bullet for her father, former President Park Chung-hee, during an assassination attempt. “I think the president will try to regain sympathy from those who once loved him, but the speech just now is not enough to immediately correct the mistake of the crisis,” commented Kim Man-heum, head of the Korea Institute of Politics and Leadership.

According to the Korean news agency Yonhap, up to now, there have been about 12,000 protesters demanding their President to resign because they believe she is no longer suitable for the role of national leader. Especially among young people, those under 40, the favorability rate for Ms. Park is only 1%. Will she be steadfast in the face of the approaching storm, or will she have to accept an unfinished presidential term? That is no longer a problem that only the Korean people want to find an answer.

Phu Binh

(According to Reuters, CNN)