People’s Party founder Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo took the opportunity Wednesday to visit former President Kim Dae-jung’s widow, Lee Hee-ho, who is hospitalized after a fall, to apologize for the controversy surrounding his previous visit.

Ahn had faced growing criticism for recording without consent their conversation on Jan. 4 at the 94-year-old former first lady’s home, and for allegedly exaggerating her words of encouragement. The conversation was also leaked to the local media. The report on her endorsement had stoked debate over whether she officially supported his party made up of dissenters from the party originating from Kim’s political group.

In Korea, visiting former first ladies of deceased presidents is considered a customary show of respect and a way to woo the former leaders’ loyal supporters.

Ahn’s party said they will reprimand a party official who taped the conversation.

Lee’s aides said Lee fell from her bed in the morning and fractured her pelvis bone. She has been admitted to Severance Hospital in Sinchon where she will be treated without a surgery.

By Yeo Jun-suk (jaseonyeo@heraldcorp.com)