( CNN ) -- South Korean president Lee Myung-bak apologized to his country for what he called `` shameful incidents '' involving his family and inner circle on Tuesday . Earlier this month , his older brother , Lee Sang-deuk was arrested on bribery charges involving two troubled Korean banks . This week , prosecutors in Korea sought arrest warrants for two former aides to Lee on the suspicion of receiving bribes from the same two banks , according to Yonhap , a South Korean news agency . Lee addressed the nation with a speech that was carried live . `` I came into the office with firm determination to bring a clean political climate , '' Lee said . `` I tried , by returning my entire fortune to the society and donating my salary . I was proud that I thought I brought in good results . But my heart collapsed and I can not keep my head up after what happened to people so close to me . '' `` This is all my fault , '' Lee said . His brother , Lee Sang-deuk is a former six-term lawmaker and has widely been considered the major force behind Lee 's presidential election in 2007 . Lee Sang-deuk has remained in a detention center since his arrest on July 11 , over allegations he received about half a million dollars from the banks Solomon and Mirae in exchange for exerting influence over officials investigating the banks , according to a court official . The operations of those two banks were suspended in May for six months by authorities . In his address to the nation , Lee said he felt pain and regret over the scandals . `` I will receive any criticism as if it is sweet , '' he said . Lee is not running for re-election this year because South Korean presidents are limited to a single five-year term . But the recent scandals could affect his political party in the December elections . `` I express sincere apology to the people , '' Lee said . Lee 's brother is not the first relative of a South Korean president to face criminal charges . Former President Roh Moo-hyun committed suicide in 2009 amid an investigation into a bribery scandal that had tarnished his reputation . His older brother was convicted and sentenced to prison . Former President Kim Dae-jung 's three sons were also imprisoned for corruption by the end of his presidential term .
South Korean president Lee Dong - bak apologized for recent events . Lee 's older brother and father are suspected of taking responsibility . ` ` This is all my fault , '' Lee said in a speech to the nation .