On October 20, Shin In-kyu, a former deputy spokesperson for the People Power Party, publicly apologized for disseminating false allegations regarding President Lee Jae-myung's alleged ties to organized crime during the 2021 presidential election. In an official apology posted on Facebook, he admitted to having issued a poorly verified statement in his role as a party spokesperson, which he now acknowledges was a grave mistake. The apology comes in light of renewed calls from President Lee for accountability from both the People Power Party and SBS, the broadcaster that aired the initial allegations.

Shin reflected on his previous role as the party's spokesperson during a highly contentious electoral period, recognizing that he contributed to the spread of misinformation that had detrimental effects on the presidential campaign and subsequently affected public perception and judgment. He emphasized that the allegations were unfounded and that no evidence supporting such claims has emerged, thereby underscoring the responsibilities that come with being a spokesperson and a legal professional. His admission serves as a reminder of the impact that unchecked rumors can have in political discourse.

In addition to apologizing to President Lee, Shin expressed remorse for the potential influence his commentary may have had on the voting decisions of the public during the 2022 presidential election. He conveyed his sense of guilt and responsibility for contributing to the political climate under the subsequent administration of President Yoon Suk-yeol, declaring that the weight of this burden will remain with him throughout his life. He also called for the SBS production team to assume accountability for their role in perpetuating the allegations and to take steps towards rectifying the misinformation they helped spread.