"We believe the north-south summit went a step further and confirmed what is happening in the six-nation talks, " Roh said.

CNN: Korean leaders sign peace pledge

Mr Roh said that if he loses the referendum, he will resign on or around February 15th, so that a fresh presidential vote can be held at the same time as parliamentary elections, already scheduled for April 15th.

ECONOMIST: The president calls a referendum on his fitness for the job

Roh, who served between 2003 and 2008, jumped from a hill behind his house last Saturday, government officials said.

CNN: South Koreans pay respects to former leader