President Park Geun-hye accepted the resignation of her senior press secretary Wednesday, the presidential office said, holding him responsible over allegations of sexual misconduct by the now-fired spokesman during her visit to Washington.

Senior secretary Lee Nam-ki was not involved in the alleged abuse by then spokesman Yoon Chang-jung, but he offered to quit in order to take responsibility as Yoon’s immediate superior. Lee has been under criticism for mishandling the case and reporting it to Park too late.

Yoon was accused of making unwanted sexual advances toward a young intern working as his temporary secretary during the trip.

The former journalist and political columnist has flatly denied the allegations. (Yonhap News)