Seoul, South Korea – Just one day after being convicted in the insurrection case, Lee Myung-bak issued a formal apology to the Korean people.
This rare move reflects a mix of political remorse and public pressure, and comes amid widespread shock and outrage.
The apology was delivered during an emergency press conference in Seoul,
where the former president acknowledged responsibility for “historical mistakes” made during his time in office.
He also pledged to cooperate with the judiciary and abide by the imposed sentence.
Public shock
The conviction in the insurrection case, described by analysts as a “political earthquake,”
sparked widespread debate in the media and on social media platforms.
ranged from demands for immediate accountability to calls for forgiveness,
with some viewing the apology as a first step toward correcting course.
Political experts emphasized that this conviction is not merely a legal punishment,
but also a powerful signal of the South Korean judicial system’s determination to hold high-ranking officials accountable, regardless of their former position.
It also reflects the maturity of the country’s democratic institutions.
fragile balance
Amid this tension, the former president is trying to balance admitting his mistake with preserving what remains of his public image.
This comes at a time when South Korea is witnessing heated debates about the future of its political leadership and trust in the ruling elite.
The most pressing question remains: Will this apology rebuild trust with the people,
or is it merely a symbolic gesture in the face of the fallout from the conviction?
In Seoul, the coming days appear crucial in determining whether the apology is enough to quell public anger,
or whether the political crisis is about to enter a new phase of confrontation.
