President Yoon Suk Yeol's recent apology over the scandals involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee, has failed to quell the growing public dissatisfaction surrounding his administration. While Yoon expressed regret during a press conference on Thursday, offering a bow to the press and acknowledging his "lack of virtue and careful consideration," critics argue that his words lacked depth and concrete plans to resolve the issues at hand. The apology may have been a step in the right direction, but it was not enough to restore public trust without meaningful follow-up actions.

Yoon's approval ratings have plummeted to a historic low of 17 percent, according to a recent survey by Embrain Public. The survey, conducted among 1,007 respondents nationwide, revealed that 78 percent of the public views Yoon's performance negatively. This dramatic decline in support comes amid ongoing scandals involving first lady Kim Keon Hee and her alleged involvement in state affairs. Despite the humble tone of Yoon's apology, many argue that it is insufficient given the gravity of the controversies and the clear public discontent.

In his statement, Yoon expressed remorse for causing public concern but failed to provide any tangible steps to address the underlying issues. He promised to "ameliorate insufficient parts" and "correct wrong things," but these vague assurances do little to reassure a public that demands accountability and transparency. Yoon's failure to unveil specific measures to resolve the controversies raises doubts about his sincerity and leadership ability.

One of the most pressing concerns is the ongoing scandal involving the first lady, who has been accused of intervening in personnel decisions and political nominations, including allegedly influencing the nomination of former lawmaker Kim Young-sun for the June 2022 parliamentary by-election. The opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) released phone records showing that Yoon personally called for Kim's nomination, fueling further suspicions of undue influence. Despite this evidence, Yoon has steadfastly denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the allegations as "improper" and suggesting that the term "manipulation of state affairs" needs to be redefined.

Yoon's dismissal of these allegations, despite the growing body of evidence, has only intensified public frustration. His defense of his wife as "naïve" and his insistence that she should not be held accountable for her alleged actions have been criticized as dismissive of public concerns. The failure to investigate the alleged misconduct surrounding the first lady — including suspicions of illegal stock trading and receiving luxury gifts from a Korean American pastor — has only deepened the perception that the president is more concerned with protecting his wife than with addressing the public's need for accountability.

Yoon's refusal to support calls for a special investigation into these matters has further alienated the public. When asked about the opposition's demand for a special prosecutor to investigate Kim's alleged wrongdoings, Yoon categorically rejected the proposal, claiming that "no country in the world" allows its legislature to determine the appointment of a special prosecutor. This resistance to independent investigation undermines confidence in the fairness and transparency of his administration.

The public outcry over these issues is not merely a matter of political rivalry. Hundreds of thousands of citizens took to the streets of Seoul over the last weekend, protesting the first couple's alleged misconduct and demanding greater accountability from the government. These protests reflect the deepening divide between the ruling administration and the people it is supposed to serve. If Yoon continues to ignore these calls for change, his presidency could be in serious jeopardy.

In addition to addressing the scandals surrounding his wife, President Yoon must take urgent steps to overhaul the presidential office and the Cabinet. A comprehensive renovation of state administration is necessary, focusing on the people's livelihood and national security. It is clear that Yoon's leadership will not regain public trust without concrete action to address the pressing issues facing the country. This includes taking decisive measures regarding his wife's alleged involvement in state affairs and personnel decisions, as well as enacting broader reforms aimed at improving transparency and accountability.

Ultimately, Yoon's political future depends on his ability to listen to the concerns of the public and demonstrate leadership in times of crisis. A mere apology, without accompanying reforms, will not be enough to turn the tide of public sentiment. If Yoon fails to address the issues surrounding his wife and the administration as a whole, his approval ratings will likely continue to plummet, further destabilizing his presidency.