Roh's Risky Referendum

South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun has called for a public referendum on his rule, triggering an outcry from opposition parties — including his former supporter, the Millennium Democratic Party (MDP). Roh's proposal is a risky strategy to crawl out from under a pile of scandals and kickstart his year-old presidency under a new banner of anti-corruption — distinguishing himself not only from the conservative opposition but from all entrenched political interests. If successful, Roh will have a new mandate to rule — and will implement changes in South Korea's political, economic and security systems. If he fails, Seoul may be thrown into disorder as the legislature and courts try to unravel the constitutional puzzle in which they will find themselves.