South Korean president names new prime minister, 7 other ministers in Cabinet reshuffle

SKorean president names new prime minister

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean President Lee Myung-bak named a former provincial governor as his new prime minister on Sunday as part of a Cabinet reshuffle.

Presidential secretary for public relations Hong Sang-pyo announced in a televised news conference that the shake-up also included the ministers of knowledge economy, education and five other departments. It did not affect the ministers of foreign affairs, defense, and unification.

Kim Tae-ho, a former governor of South Gyeongnsang province, was nominated to replace Chung Un-chan as prime minister, Hong said. The appointment is subject to parliamentary approval following a confirmation hearing.

The prime minister is the nation’s second-highest official, but is largely a ceremonial position with little decision-making power.

Lee also replaced the ministers of culture, agriculture, health and welfare, employment and labor, and special minister handling political affairs.

The reshuffle came less than two weeks after Lee’s ruling Grand National Party won parliamentary by-elections, which were seen as a referendum on public support for the president.