President Park agrees to appoint premier recommended by parliament

By Park Sae-jin Posted : November 8, 2016, 14:22 Updated : November 8, 2016, 14:22

[Photo by Namgung Jin-woong = timeid@ajunews.com]


Bowing to mounting public pressure, South Korea's scandal-ridden President Park Geun-hye made a surprise political gesture Tuesday saying she would appoint a new prime minister recommended by parliament.

Park's gesture came during her brief conversation with National Assembly speaker Chung Sye-kyun in parliament.

"If the National Assembly recommends a suitable figure as prime minister through consultations between the ruling and opposition parties, I will appoint and let him control the cabinet effectively."

Last week Park named Kim Byong-joon, a 62-year-old college professor who served as a presidential aide for South Korea's late liberal president Roh Moo-hyun, as her new prime minister. Opposition parties have refused to approve the nomination.

Park said she changed her mind to help normalize state affairs, citing economic difficulties at home and abroad. The main opposition Democratic Party expressed doubtful concern saying Park's comment fell short of public expectations.

Opposition parties want Park to stay away from politics, transfer a large portion of her power to a prime minister, and act as a symbolic figurehead during the remaining term of her office.

Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
기사 이미지 확대 보기
닫기