Ousted South Korean president apologizes for unfinished presidency

Ousted South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Sunday apologized for unfinished presidential term through her spokesman. (Photo: Republic of Korea/ Flickr)

SEOUL–Ousted South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Sunday apologized for unfinished presidential term through her spokesman.

Former presidential spokesman Min Kyung-wook read Park’s short statement, saying Park made her apology for the unfinished five-year term of her presidency.

Without the impeachment, Park’s five-year term was supposed to end in February next year. Park was sworn in as the country’s 18th leader in February 2013.

Park expressed her thanks to people supporting her, saying she will take responsibility for all results.

Though it would take time, truth will be disclosed, Park said in the statement.

Park arrived at her private home in southern district of Seoul on Sunday night, two days after the constitutional court’s ruled to permanently remove her from power.

Park became the first South Korean leader to be ousted through impeachment. Her impeachment bill was passed by the parliament on Dec. 9.

Hundreds of loyalists to Park welcomed her return to the private home, shouting invalid impeachment.

Park smilingly waved her hand to the supporters and shook hands with some lawmakers of the Liberty Korea Party.

After leaving office, Park will be subject to criminal prosecution and even detention as she has lost her immunity as head of state.

Prosecutors have identified her as an accomplice to her longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil who is now in custody for multiple charges including bribery.