SEOUL, Dec 17 (NNN-YONHAP) – South Korean President, Moon Jae-in, today named Chung Sye-kyun, former National Assembly speaker, as new prime minister, for the latter half of his single five-year presidency.
Moon made the announcement, at the press centre of the presidential compound, saying, what matters for the pick of Chung to the second-highest administrative position was the ability to pull off people’s integration and harmony, while respecting opposition parties in time of fierce political strife.
Moon said, the prime minister nominee is well-versed in economy, as he was a successful businessman and led the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, under the former liberal government.
Chung was an executive at a local conglomerate, Ssangyong Group, in the early 1990’s, before entering the political circles in 1995. He was first elected as a lawmaker the following year, and took the post of commerce minister from 2006 and 2007.
The six-term lawmaker of the ruling Democratic Party, served as National Assembly speaker for two years, through the end of May, 2018.
Moon’s nomination indicated his focus on economic affairs and compromise between ruling and opposition parties, for the latter half of his presidency. Moon took office in May, 2017.
Moon said, his government endeavoured to foster an innovative, inclusive and fair economy, for which uniting people’s power as one through integration and harmony, will be more significant than any, so as to help people feel changes in daily lives and economy.
Chung is subject to a parliamentary confirmation hearing. If appointed, he would become the country’s first prime minister, who served as a parliamentary speaker before.
