Jun Byung-hun, the senior presidential secretary for political affairs, offered to resign Thursday over a burgeoning graft scandal involving his two former aides.
In a meeting with reporters, Jun repeated his denial of any involvement in the scandal and said he is ready to face a prosecutorial probe.
"I feel very frustrated that I have caused trouble to the president though I have done my best to serve him in the short period of time," he said.
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Jun Byung-hun, the chief presidential secretary for political affairs, speaks during a press conference at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 16, 2017. (Yonhap) |
"I am once again sorry for the aberrant acts that my former aides had carried out... I will explain my position to the prosecution any time," he added.
His offer to resign came a day after the prosecution said it would "inevitably" question Jun over the scandal.
The scandal has been posing a tricky dilemma for President Moon Jae-in, as it could undercut the government's anti-corruption crusade and reform drive.
Despite Jun's denial, concerns are rising that he could become a political liability for the young administration and embolden opposition parties to escalate their offensive. (Yonhap)