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Dear people, I sincerely apologize for having you indescribably disappointed and concerned in regards to the scandal with Choi Soon-sil.
Above all, I feel so sorry for breaking your hearts irreparably when you trusted in me to be responsible with state affairs.
I also apologize to government officials and incumbents who devoted themselves to working with me, as well as business people who assisted me with goodwill.
I feel terribly sorry for all the illegal acts done by Choi, as I have initially wished my decisions would ultimately benefit the nation's economy and people's welfare.
It's all due to my fault and negligence. I fully understand my irresponsibility.
Choi was arrested yesterday over allegations of allegedly influencing government affairs and amassing an illicit fortune by taking advantage of her close ties with me. Former presidential secretary Ahn Jong-beom is also being investigated by prosecutors of the special investigation headquarters.
Prosecutors should be able to handle the case clearly and impartially without being interrupted by any external influence.
I will also do my best to cooperate with the investigation and bring out the truth.
I've already told my secretaries to cooperate with the investigation.
If I have to be investigated, I am ready to accept it as well.
Dear people, ever since I entered Cheong Wa Dae I have been living a lonely life without contacting my family because I was worried that my ties with them might cause bad incidents.
Living by myself, I had no one around me who could look after my personal affairs. So I resorted to Choi, who has been my longtime friend.
I admit that I was not objective enough when it came to her, as she was the one who stayed with me through my hardest times.
Looking back, I realize that over-depending on Choi has blinded my sense of objectivity and made me negligent with my surroundings.
I can't even forgive myself, and the grief keeps me up at night.
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When I think about not being able to even soothe the people, the thought ‘this is not why I became president' comes to mind.
My heart breaks because I put all my effort into not hurting the citizens, however, the end result came out totally different.
There are even rumors that I am embedded in a cult or that shamanistic rituals are being practiced inside Cheong Wa Dae. I would like to say that this is not at all true.
It is regrettable that all government affairs that have been carefully crafted to help boost our nation's future have all been branded.
Even though there have been wrongdoing in some parts, I plead with the public to not halt Korea's development movement.
Again, I would like to truly apologize and ask for forgiveness for my wrongdoing.
I have severed almost all ties, but from now on I will live in solitude.
I know that the matter needs explanation but since this is an ongoing investigation by the prosecutors' office, I apologize for not going into detail.
I fear that if I go into detail it might become an obstacle for a fair investigation.
I will go into detail when I get the chance.
I am fully prepared to take responsibility if the investigation finds any wrongdoing on my part.
Our national security and economy are in a grave state.
Since there are many pending issues, state affairs should not be halted.
Although a president's term is limited, the Republic of Korea is eternal.
To avoid bringing chaos and a void to state affairs, the government should leave the probe to the prosecutors and return to its original duties.
I will communicate with the people and heed the National Assembly's demands to avoid a void in any responsibilities that I have.
I again truly apologize with all my heart to the people.
(Translated by The Korea Times digital news team's Lee Han-soo, Hong Dam-young)
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