President Yoon Suk Yeol has apologized to the public for the concerns he has caused and vowed a change of direction in state affairs. 

The president issued the apology on Thursday at a news conference at the presidential office, as he approaches the halfway point in his five-year term on Sunday amid numerous allegations against him and first lady Kim Keon-hee.

Yoon said the president should not make excuses and that he takes full responsibility for everything.

He said things he started for the sake of the people’s economic well-being and the future of the country have caused inconvenience, and that controversies surrounding people close to him have caused concerns.

Offering what he called a sincere apology, he pledged to pursue active reform, saying he is well aware of his shortcomings and those of his government.

He also vowed to strengthen communication between the government and the ruling party. 

Yoon called on the nation to join forces for the people’s economic well-being and their future, saying nothing else is more important.

On Thursday he appointed the head of a proposed office to manage the first lady’s activities. 

But he made it clear that he remains opposed to a special counsel investigation targeting the first lady, as the opposition party has demanded.