South Korea’s Park accepts PM’s resignation in illegal funds scandal

South Korean President Park Geun-hye accepted the resignation on Monday of her prime minister, who had offered to step down over an allegation that he took illegal funds from a businessman who committed suicide in a scandal that threatens to weaken Park. Park, whose ruling Saenuri Party faces a general election early next year for control of the 300-seat parliament, has seen her public support rating dip below 40 percent in recent weeks.

There is a lot I want to say but I will leave behind a void with the belief that the truth will one day surely be told.

Prime Minister Lee Wan-koo

Prime Minister Lee Wan-koo has denied he received campaign funds from the businessman, but pressure mounted for him to step down after news reports showed he had known Sung well. That was despite his claim that he barely knew the construction company boss who was himself a former lawmaker and was close to politicians. On Monday as he departed the post, Lee apologized for the controversy but did not directly mention the allegation against him or repeat his denial.

Politics South Korea PM