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The following is the President Park Geun-hye's complete speech in her national address from Cheong Wa Dae on Nov. 29. ― ED.
Dear respected citizens,
Once again, I apologize for causing you enormous troubles because of my carelessness.
As I see the citizens suffering heartache due to this issue, I think it is evident that I must apologize even hundreds of times.
But despite such efforts, all the disappointment and fury that I have caused you cannot be resolved and that wrenches my heart.
Citizens, as I recall the past 18 years that I spent with you, the time has been all the more thankful and precious.
From 1998, when I began politicking for my inauguration as the President and finally to this very moment, I have invested all my efforts in serving the country and citizens.
Not for a single moment have I ever pursued my own interest, nor even thought about it.
The series of events that have occurred now are a result of my pursuit of public benefit for the nation. And I did not take a single benefit during the process.
But I admit it was my huge fault that I have failed to manage my personal life and take care of people around me.
I will explain all the details about this political scandal in the near future.
Dear citizens, I have stayed up countless nights to come up with a right decision for the country and the people as the situation is getting worse for domestic and foreign affairs.
Now, I would like to tell my decision here.
I will follow the National Assembly's decision about my course of resignation as the President, including cutting short my remaining term.
When the ruling and opposition parties propose a plan to transfer governing power in a way that can minimize any chaos and power vacuum in state affairs, I will resign from the presidency according to the rules and schedules proposed by the National Assembly.
Now, I have laid everything down. My only desire is for South Korea to break away from this chaotic state and return to its original course as soon as possible.
Once again, I would like to apologize to the citizens and plead that the political circle will combine their wisdom for the hopeful future of South Korea.
Since the speech is heavy by nature, I will explain further about the details in the near future. Any questions can be dealt with at that time.
(The speech was translated by The Korea Times digital news desk staffs: Ko Dong-hwan, Hong Dam-young, Lee Jin-a and Lee Han-soo)
