S. Korea's contrite leader must seize chance to carry out promised changes

Communication, forming a Cabinet that wins respect crucial for Yoon

- Wendy Teo

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's press conference to mark his two years in office was one filled with expressions of remorse and regret.

He apologised for "causing concern to the public" over his wife Kim Keon-hee's "imprudent behaviour" in accepting a Dior handbag from a pastor, and expressed his belief that ongoing investigations would be "fair and firm".

He said that he has reflected on the "insufficiencies" of his governance following his ruling People Power Party's (PPP) dismal showing at the April 11 legislative elections.

Speaking to the media on May 9, Mr Yoon also acknowledged criticism of his stubbornness and pledged to work on better communication with the media and the people.

The President's ruefulness is a step in the right direction after a tumultuous two years in office, but he will need to do more to regain public confidence.

As Mr Yoon starts his remaining three years in office on May 10, he must seize the chance to "show his resolve to carry out what he promised to the people when he was elected as president with concrete and discernable actions", Dr Bong Young-shik of Yonsei University told The Straits Times.

The PPP slipped six seats to secure just 108 in the 300-seat National Assembly, while the largest opposition Democratic Party strengthened its dominance, winning 175 seats, up from 156.

This effectively puts Mr Yoon's government in a "lame duck" situation when the new National Assembly opens on May 30, as domestic policy reforms will be hard to push through without agreement from the opposition.

In his live address to the nation, prior to the May 9 press conference, Mr Yoon pledged to "change what needs to be changed, starting with me and my government".