Text of ex-president Lee Myung-bak's handwritten statement

By Lim Chang-won Posted : March 23, 2018, 09:32 Updated : March 23, 2018, 09:32

[Yonhap News Photo]


SEOUL -- Here is an unofficial translation of ex-president Lee Myung-bak's handwritten statement posted on Facebook before his arrest shortly before midnight Thursday:

"At this moment, rather than blaming anybody, I feel all is my fault. I feel a sense of guilt.

Looking back on the past, I think I did my best in my way when I was in business or served as the mayor of Seoul and president. Especially, I carried out my presidential duty with a determination to do really well. I had tried to eradicate wrong practices of the past and realize a clean politics but my work left something to be desired in today's public eyes.

During my tenure, the country faced the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression, but the Republic of Korea has overcome the crisis in the most exemplary way. Those who have worked together to overcome the crisis, and all of them -- civilians, government officials, unions and companies -- are never forgotten and appreciated. I just feel regret if I think about them.

I've had an unbearable pain in the past 10 months. My family is suffering from the destruction of morality, and I can not sleep if I think about people who worked without a holiday but suffer from me.

I wish my arrest could relieve the pain of my family and those who have worked with me. I hope someday I will be able to get back to my real life and speak out. I will still pray for the Republic of Korea."
 
기사 이미지 확대 보기
닫기