World IN BRIEF : SOUTH KOREA : President Vows to Protect Democracy

In his first public comment on the massive scandals that have rocked South Korea since late October, President Kim Young Sam vowed to root out the legacy of past military-backed governments. “We must safeguard democracy,” Kim said, adding: “Straightening out history is a glorious revolution to restore our nation’s self-respect and open a bright future for the country.” Kim’s statement marked the 16th anniversary of a Dec. 12, 1979, mutiny staged by two of his predecessors, Chun Doo Hwan and Roh Tae Woo. The two are in jail facing corruption and other charges. Later, two prosecutors visited ailing former President Choi Kyu Hah at his Seoul home and questioned him about whether he was forced to step down in 1980 by Chun and Roh.