New premier appeals for public support to put state affairs into shape

By Park Sae-jin Posted : November 3, 2016, 15:44 Updated : November 3, 2016, 15:44

[Photo by Namgung Jinwoong = timeid@ajunews.com]


A college professor nominated as South Korea's prime minister vowed Thursday to form a neutral cabinet through consultations with parliament, in a tearful appeal for public support to put paralyzed state affairs back into shape.

Kim Byong-joon, 62, said in a televised news conference that South Korea now needs a strong prime minister to ride out a national crisis triggered by the president's controversial ties with her longtime crony, Choi Soon-sil, accused of meddling in state affairs.

The turbulent scandal has seriously damaged Park's image and authority, prompting the president to put key security and other state affairs on the back burner. It has sent Park's approval ratings to record lows, triggering concern about the early arrival of her lame duck status.

"I've accepted my nomination because everything is now in an unusual situation," said Kim, who was nominated as prime minister Wednesday in a cabinet shake-up aimed at assuaging widespread public anger. The scholar served as a senior presidential aide for South Korea's late liberal president Roh Moo-hyun.

"I will do my best," Kim said in a cracked voice, with his eyes welling, adding he would have a greater say than his predecessors in forming a cabinet or carrying out state affairs. In South Korea, the role and power of prime minister have been limited with state power concentrating on the chief executive.

Opponents have accused Park of calling in former opposition heavyweights to form a protective shield around her and urged the president to carry out her duty through consultations with opposition groups.

"I know there are suspicion and criticism about me," Kim said, adding Park asked him to control economic and social affairs. His comment indicated President Park would be responsible only for security and diplomacy.

The scandal has roiled South Korea, watched closely by its allies and even rival North Korea, since Park admitted last week that Choi had acted as the president's personal adviser, editing presidential speeches.  Surprised at the uncontrollable eruption of public anger and calls for her resignation, Park has shoved herself into the back room.

Kim suggested Park could be investigated but called for caution to prevent a power vacuum. "I believe an investigation into the president is possible, but we should be prudent about its process and methods."

He also said he would ask Park to stay away from politics by leaving the ruling Saenuri Party.

Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
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