[Anchor]

The presidential press conference, which began with the words "I apologize to the public," proceeded in a somber and calm atmosphere for 100 minutes. The Democratic Party stated that "the party will also listen to public sentiment," while the People Power Party criticized it, saying the president "only blamed others."

Reporter Kim Bo-mi has the details.

[Reporter]

In a subdued voice, President Lee Jae-myung opened the press conference with this greeting:

[President Lee Jae-myung: I greet the people who are struggling through difficult daily lives with a feeling of deep apology.]

He said that while he had been bewildered by the public's disappointment and concern since the June 3 local elections, after much contemplation, this was his conclusion:

[President Lee Jae-myung: The conclusion of my reflection is always that 'the people are right.' It is all due to my own shortcomings.]

His previous six press conferences since taking office usually well exceeded two hours, featuring question-and-answer sessions following roughly 10 minutes of opening remarks. However, yesterday (September 18), the opening remarks—emphasizing "shortcomings" and a "humble posture"—lasted 20 minutes, longer than before, while the overall press conference was somewhat shorter at one hour and 40 minutes.

President Lee answered questions with a grave and calm expression, and jokes or smiles noticeably decreased.

The Democratic Party evaluated the conference as "an occasion to candidly express the president's thoughts with a humble posture," viewing the controversies over constitutional revision for consecutive terms and the withdrawal of indictments as having been settled for now.

[Kim Min-seok / Leader of the Democratic Party: The party will also listen more humbly and look after the people's livelihoods.]

The People Power Party sharpened its criticism, stating that the press conference "only blamed others without reflection and merely placated his core supporters," adding that his remarks on consecutive terms and dropping indictments, pushed by falling approval ratings, cannot be trusted.

[Jang Dong-hyeok / Leader of the People Power Party: The only answer the people want is: 'I will face trial fairly and squarely.']

Unlike Justice Minister nominee Kim Seung-won and Defense Minister nominee Kang Shin-chul, whose confirmation hearing reports were adopted under the Democratic Party's leadership, discussions on adopting reports for Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister nominee Hong Ji-sun and SMEs and Startups Minister nominee Lee So-young have been suspended because the chairs of the relevant parliamentary committees belong to the People Power Party.

The People Power Party announced that it will finalize its stance depending on whether President Lee pushes ahead with nominee Kim Seung-won's appointment.