S. Korean Leader Seeks People's 'Pardon'

[Khephra]

SEOUL, South Korea -- President Roh Moo-hyun, whose approval ratings plummeted after corruption scandals involving his aides, said Friday he would ask South Koreans whether they still have confidence in him.

A grim-faced Roh said he wanted to get a "pardon" from the people and restore moral strength in his 8-month-old government, which is besieged by a hostile National Assembly and unfriendly news media.

But he was unsure whether holding a referendum on himself would be appropriate, saying that could hurt national security amid international efforts to stop North Korea's suspected development of nuclear weapons.

Roh said he has yet to find out how he can determine whether the people still trust him -- but he hopes to have an answer by the time the country votes to elect parliament next April.

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