S. Korean leader sorry for failings but insists policies right

Yoon to stick to major reform of labour, education, pensions and medical sectors

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said he and his administration will humbly accept the result of the April 10 general election, which renewed the main opposition's firm grip over the National Assembly for the next four years, stressing that he sees it as a reflection of public sentiment.

"I will take heed of the public sentiment and communicate more with people with humility and flexibility," he said in a Cabinet meeting at his office in Seoul, with his opening remarks televised nationwide on April 16.

Mr Yoon also said he "felt sorry" for his failure to pay attention to public sentiment and cater to the people's demands as he wrapped up the Cabinet meeting behind closed doors, a source from the presidential office said on condition of anonymity.

Despite a list of policies he has pushed for the last two years intended to improve people's livelihoods, Mr Yoon admitted falling short of achieving an economic recovery for all in South Korea.