'Park will have to make third apology,' says opposition leader

Rep. Park Ji-won, interim leader of the opposition People’s Party, expresses dissatisfaction with President Park Geun-hye's second public apology earlier Friday after monitoring the nationally televised speech from his office at the National Assembly. / Yonhap

By Hong Dam-young

The interim leader of the opposition People’s Party expressed discontent over President Park Geun-hye’s second apologetic speech about the Choi Soon-sil scandal on Friday, saying Park will have to make a “third” apology soon.

Rep. Park Ji-won said Park’s speech was “not sincere” and just a “political gimmick” to contain public anger.

“It’s doubtful whether this speech will be able to soothe the public anger,” Park said after watching the nationally televised address. “Park’s position revealed in the speech has paved the way for the President to offer her third apology soon.”

The interim leader evaluated positively the President’s willingness to cooperate with the investigation, but remained cautious that the prosecution would be able to ensure a thorough investigation of her.

Park commented on the President’s repeated denial of allegations she had engaged in a cult or hosted shamanism rituals at the presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae.

“She must have been really hurt by the rumor, as she mentioned it twice,” he said. “If there is no solid evidence to prove the rumor, we might as well believe her words.”

Meanwhile, Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon and Shim Sang-jeong, chairwoman of the minor opposition Justice Party, also expressed deep dissatisfaction with Park’s speech.

“The President’s immediate resignation is a shortcut to salvage the country from the crisis,” the two said in a joint statement.