South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol denied allegations of influence-peddling on Thursday in a scandal that has damaged his approval ratings and given ammunition to political opponents.
The scandal, which centers on alleged interference by Yoon and his wife in a 2022 by-election candidate selection, has dominated headlines in South Korea.
Opposition figures accuse the president and first lady, Kim Keon Hee, of pushing for a specific candidate at the behest of election broker Myung Tae-kyun, who previously conducted free opinion polls for Yoon's campaign.
Allegations and Leaked Audio
The Democratic Party released audio recordings this week that it claims reveal Yoon's political interference.
In the recordings, Yoon purportedly requests that Kim Young-sun, a senior member of the ruling People Power Party, receive the party's nomination for a by-election. Kim was subsequently nominated and won the seat.
In the same recording, Myung can be heard saying, "I really won't forget this favor for my entire life. Thank you!"
South Korea's election laws prohibit public officials, including the president, from interfering in elections.
However, since Yoon was president-elect at the time of the call, it remains unclear if his actions violated the law.
Addressing the matter, Yoon insisted, "I didn't do anything inappropriate and have nothing to hide regarding Myung Tae-kyun." He acknowledged Myung's support during his campaign but denied any interference in candidate selection processes.
Declining Approval Ratings
The scandal has driven Yoon's approval rating below 20 percent, marking a low point in his presidency. In addition to this scandal, his wife faces allegations, including challenges over the release of spy camera footage that purportedly shows her accepting a luxury handbag from a pastor.
Although Yoon apologized for the public uproar, he asserted that many claims against him and his wife lack factual basis.
The Democratic Party has seized on the scandal to attack Yoon, calling his response "arrogant" and "self-righteous" and demanding an independent investigation into his wife's alleged misconduct.
Some members of the ruling party accuse the opposition of intensifying attacks to distract from legal issues facing its leader, Lee Jae-myung, who is under multiple investigations and faces trial soon. Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 election, remains a potential candidate for the 2027 race.
Yoon Eyes US Relations
The scandal coincides with significant foreign policy challenges, including the recent U.S. presidential election.
Yoon congratulated Donald Trump on his victory and emphasized his intent to strengthen South Korea's alliance with the U.S. and Japan.
He noted that the alliance's stability is vital, especially amid North Korea's reported involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war. Yoon expressed optimism about continued security cooperation, highlighting North Korea's evolving nuclear capabilities.
Analysts warn that Yoon may need to cultivate a close relationship with Trump to ensure continued U.S. support. "This might be the only way to avert devastating consequences and surprises in the alliance relationship," said Duyeon Kim of the Center for a New American Security.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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