South Korean parliament confirms new prime minister

SEOUL - The South Korean National Assembly Friday confirmed the nomination of a former judge as the country’s next prime minister, a news report said.

Kim Hwang Sik’s nomination by President Lee Myung Bak was approved by 169 to 71 votes, with the majority of the support from the ruling Grand National Party, the Yonhap News agency said.

Most opposition parliamentarians voted against the nomination of Kim, 62, amid suspicions of draft dodging and financial irregularities, the report said.

Kim is set to be the first prime minister from the south-western province of South Jeolla, traditionally a power base for the main opposition Democratic Party.

The former Supreme Court justice, and current head of the state audit agency, is to replace Chung Un Chan, who resigned in late July after failing to secure parliamentary backing for a government plan to backtrack on the controversial planned relocation of part of the administration.

Mid-administration changes of premier are not uncommon in South Korea, where the position does not hold significant executive power, and most important decisions are taken by the president.

Kim was put forward for the post by Lee in September, after the president’s first nomination, former provincial governor Kim Tae Ho, was withdrawn following allegations of corruption.

Foreign Minister Yu Myung Hwan also resigned in September, amid accusations of cronyism. No successor for Yu has been named as yet.