

By Park Si-soo



President Park Geun-hye said Friday she is "responsible" for a growing influence-peddling scandal sparked by her friend Choi Soon-sil, who allegedly pulled government strings behind the scenes and made money from it.

"It's my fault," said a pale-faced Park in a nationally televised speech from the presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae. "I feel deeply sorry for letting down people who have supported me."

Park said she will cooperate with the ongoing investigation into the scandal, "if deemed necessary."

"If improper behavior is discovered through the investigation, I will take full responsibility for that," she said.

Park denied allegations she was engrossed in a pseudo-religion or hosted shamanism rituals at the presidential office.

Park did not comment on forming a politically neutral Cabinet with a Prime Minister empowered to dominate policymaking while she takes a back seat. The ruling Saenuri Party and dovish lawmakers in opposition parties made the suggestion as part of efforts to normalize the government and save the President from the worst political scandal in the Park administration.

This has stirred speculation that Park has no intention of loosening her grip on power and sharing authority.