S. Korean head apologizes for sons' arrests

Kim apologized for the actions of his sons who are embroiled in corruption and influence-peddling scandals

SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- In a television speech broadcast nationwide, South Korean President Kim Dae-jung has apologized for the actions of two of his sons, who have been arrested on corruption and influence-peddling charges.

"This is my fault, due to my inefficiencies," the president said on Friday. "I cannot hold up my head as I stand before you."

Kim also promised that his sons will be firmly punished according to law.

The president's youngest son, Kim Hong-gol, is in jail for allegedly trying to influence the government's decision to grant a lottery license to a company in return for payment.

The president's second son, Kim Hong-op, was arrested Friday on similar charges. Both have denied any wrongdoing.

The president's speech cast a somber pall over South Korea, which is basking in the international spotlight as the country co-hosts soccer's World Cup with neighboring Japan -- and its national team reached the quarterfinals.

The 77-year-old chief of state is in the final months of his five-year term in office, which began in 1998 when he took office with a pledge to clean up South Korean politics.

Kim is constitutionally barred from seeking another term in December's presidential election.