President Roh chose not to gloat over his victory

He said he bore moral and political responsibility for a scandal over illegal campaign funds, despite being cleared of direct involvement.

He said revitalising the economy would be top of his agenda.

President Roh vowed to co-operate with political opponents who impeached him in parliament in March.

The BBC's Charles Scanlon in Seoul says the president's statement will go down well with the South Korean public, who are tired of political in-fighting.

A contrite and subdued President Roh addressed the nation in a televised appearance outside his Blue House office.

Once again I take this opportunity to apologise, deeply apologise, to the people President Roh

But for all his apparent modesty, our correspondent says, Roh Moo-hyun has staged a dramatic political comeback, comprehensively turning the tables on his conservative opponents.

"Once again, I take this opportunity to apologise, deeply apologise, to the people," he said.

Mr Roh apologised for corruption allegations against his aides and the party's involvement in fundraising abuses during the 2002 election campaign.

'Blame me'

But he stopped short of apologising for electoral law violations which led to his impeachment.

"I don't think I have been freed from moral and political responsibility," he said.

"Especially, the blame for the campaign funds and wrongdoings engulfing those around me should be placed on me."

The Constitutional Court ruled that, while Mr Roh had violated his neutrality as president by backing the liberal Uri party which was formed last October, this was insufficient to remove him from office.

It rejected the additional charges of corruption and incompetence.

Mr Roh's mandate was in effect renewed with a big vote of confidence in last month's parliamentary election.

'Pragmatist'

Some conservatives worry that the liberal president will now show his true ideological colours and be less constrained in his attacks on big business and the alliance with the United States, our correspondent says.

But the president's allies say he is essentially a pragmatist who understands the need for economic growth and strong ties with Washington.

An early test will be over the promised despatch of more than 3,000 troops to Iraq.