S Korea PM offers to quit over golfing gaffe media

SEOUL, Mar 14 (Reuters) South Korean Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan today offered to resign for playing golf with business executives while a national railway strike was causing transport chaos, media reports said.

Lee, a five-term legislator and Prime Minister since June 2004, had taken over much of the daily running of domestic policy from President Roh Moo-hyun and was considered one of the most powerful premiers in the country's history.

South Korean media, including Yonhap news agency and the YTN television network, reported Lee offered his resignation to Roh, citing government sources.

Lee had apologised for ''careless'' conduct. His reported offer to resign comes at a time when Roh is battling the lowest support ratings for his administration since it took power in 2003.

REUTERS CS BS0849