Park apologizes over alleged sexual misconduct by ex-spokesman

President Park Geun-hye apologized Monday over allegations of sexual misconduct by her now-fired spokesman, as she struggled to bring growing public outrage over the unprecedented, embarrassing incident under control.

It was the first time Park has spoken about the case that has been rocking South Korea since revelations Friday that former spokesman Yoon Chang-jung allegedly made unwanted sexual advances toward his temporarily hired secretary while accompanying Park on her first trip to Washington.

"I am apologetic that an unsavory incident, which a public servant should never be involved in, occurred near the end of my visit to the U.S. and greatly disappointed the people," Park said during a weekly meeting with senior secretaries.

"I sincerely apologize about the shock the female student and her parents must have received and the scars left on the hearts of compatriots" in the U.S. by the case, she said.

Park promised to make every truth revealed "without a single speck of suspicion."

"We will take whatever measures are necessary and will cooperate actively in the U.S. investigation," she said.

"Those involved must render active cooperation for the investigation without any exception and take due responsibility."