Lee picks reformist as PM of S. Korea
Source: Agencies |
August 9, 2010, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
SOUTH Korean President Lee Myung-bak named a former provincial governor as his new prime minister yesterday as part of an extensive Cabinet reshuffle aimed at restoring public support following his party's surprise defeat in local elections.
Presidential secretary for public relations Hong Sang-pyo announced that the shake-up also included the ministers of education, knowledge economy and five other departments. It did not affect the key ministries of foreign affairs, defense or unification.
Kim Tae-ho, a former governor of South Gyeongsang province, was nominated to replace Chung Un-chan as prime minister, Hong said. The appointment is subject to parliamentary approval.
The shake-up came in response to public demands for reform, the presidential office said in a statement.
Lee's ruling party suffered a surprise defeat in mayoral and gubernatorial elections in June, though it won parliamentary by-elections in July.
Kim, 47, said he would seek national reconciliation and enhance communication with the people.
South Korea has been divided over a plan to move more than half of the 15 government ministries out of the capital Seoul to a nearby city.
Chung, the outgoing prime minister, led the charge to abandon the project. President Lee has said the plan would waste taxpayer money and create inefficiencies.
The National Assembly rejected Lee's push in June, forcing him to start work on implementing the original plan, which proponents say would foster regional development and help solve Seoul's worsening traffic and housing problems.
Lee also replaced the ministers of culture, agriculture, health and welfare, employment and labor, and a special minister handling political affairs.
The reshuffle came amid tension with North Korea over large South Korean naval drills off the west coast, including areas near the two countries' disputed sea border. The exercises end today.
North Korea warned last week it would counter the reckless naval firing projected by the group of traitors with strong physical retaliation and advised civilian ships to stay away from the maritime border.
Presidential secretary for public relations Hong Sang-pyo announced that the shake-up also included the ministers of education, knowledge economy and five other departments. It did not affect the key ministries of foreign affairs, defense or unification.
Kim Tae-ho, a former governor of South Gyeongsang province, was nominated to replace Chung Un-chan as prime minister, Hong said. The appointment is subject to parliamentary approval.
The shake-up came in response to public demands for reform, the presidential office said in a statement.
Lee's ruling party suffered a surprise defeat in mayoral and gubernatorial elections in June, though it won parliamentary by-elections in July.
Kim, 47, said he would seek national reconciliation and enhance communication with the people.
South Korea has been divided over a plan to move more than half of the 15 government ministries out of the capital Seoul to a nearby city.
Chung, the outgoing prime minister, led the charge to abandon the project. President Lee has said the plan would waste taxpayer money and create inefficiencies.
The National Assembly rejected Lee's push in June, forcing him to start work on implementing the original plan, which proponents say would foster regional development and help solve Seoul's worsening traffic and housing problems.
Lee also replaced the ministers of culture, agriculture, health and welfare, employment and labor, and a special minister handling political affairs.
The reshuffle came amid tension with North Korea over large South Korean naval drills off the west coast, including areas near the two countries' disputed sea border. The exercises end today.
North Korea warned last week it would counter the reckless naval firing projected by the group of traitors with strong physical retaliation and advised civilian ships to stay away from the maritime border.
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