ed Samsung heir's apology

President Park should say she is sorry, take charge

With Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) remaining a threat nationwide, Lee Jae-yong, the vice chairman of Samsung Electronics apologized Tuesday for the massive outbreak at Samsung Medical Center (SMC). Lee, as chairman of Samsung Life Public Welfare Foundation, which oversees SMC, vowed to prevent any recurrence and completely overhaul the hospital once the disease is under control. Noticeably, he promised support for the development of vaccine and treatment for contagious diseases.

The direct apology from Lee ― the heir apparent to Samsung Group ― had the proper elements. His no-excuses and measures-filled apology seems to have appeased the public enraged by the inept response by the hospital where a second wave of transmissions broke out. He personally spoke of his father who is hospitalized in SMC, and said that he understands the “distress and anxiety” of the patients and their families. What the public wants to see now is a thorough follow-up.

SMC, despite its leading status, made numerous missteps in the MERS situation. Most of all, the hospital insufficiently monitored and managed the MERS patients. Also, the news that the hospital initially did not have negative pressure rooms was disappointing to say the least. The health authorities said Wednesday that they will extend the partial shutdown of SMC.

Samsung has taken a dent to its brand image. However, at the same time, there is an anticipation that Samsung’s emphasis on quality will come through.

Watching Lee’s apology, it was difficult not to wonder about an apology from the head of state. To date, since the first MERS patient was diagnosed on May 20, few government officials have come forth with apologies. Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn and Health Minister Moon Hyung-pyo have apologized a few times for the government’s fumbling initial response on a matter related to public safety. Moon said that it was ultimately his decision not to disclose the names of the hospitals initially and that he had no intention of avoiding accountability.

But the public has not seen someone taking charge by taking full official responsibility in dealing with the contagious respiratory illness. Opposition legislators have grasped that sentiment and for this ― or for their own political reasons ― have been calling on President Park Geun-hye to apologize.

Understandably, the political risk for a President is always higher than a Cabinet minister or prime minister in acknowledging a mistake. On the other hand, a presidential apology would be the most powerful outreach to the public. The President, we hope, is fully aware of this.