Who is Kim Min-seok? South Korea's New Prime Minister Takes Office Amid Controversy
Kim Min-seok Officially Becomes Prime Minister of South Korea
Seoul: On Thursday, Kim Min-seok was officially appointed as the Prime Minister of South Korea following a decisive vote by the National Assembly. This marks him as the first individual to hold this position under the new administration led by President Lee Jae Myung.
The Assembly confirmed Kim with a vote of 173 in favor and 3 against, with three ballots deemed invalid. Notably, the main opposition party, the People Power Party (PPP), chose to boycott the vote, citing concerns over allegations related to Kim's wealth and family background.
After his confirmation, Kim addressed the media, emphasizing his commitment to 'uphold the will of the people' and prioritizing the need to 'overcome the economic crisis' attributed to what he described as 'forces of tyranny.'
Following the parliamentary vote, President Lee officially appointed Kim as Prime Minister, as confirmed by spokesperson Kang Yu-jung.
The PPP has criticized Kim as an unsuitable candidate, raising questions about the origins of his wealth and discrepancies between his reported financial status and expenditures, alongside allegations regarding his son's college admissions and his own education at Tsinghua University in China.
Despite opposition, the ruling Democratic Party (DP) has indicated it will proceed with Kim's confirmation regardless of the PPP's stance.
In South Korea, the Prime Minister is the only Cabinet position that requires approval from the National Assembly.
During the same session, the Assembly also approved a revision to the Commercial Act, which broadens the fiduciary responsibilities of corporate board members to encompass all shareholders.
The two parties had previously disagreed on a rule limiting the voting rights of the largest shareholder to 3% during auditor selections, but they reached a compromise to bring the bill to a vote after making necessary amendments.
Out of 272 lawmakers present, 220 voted in favor of the revision, while 29 opposed it and 23 abstained.
A similar bill had been passed earlier in March but was vetoed by former President Yoon Suk Yeol and subsequently discarded, according to reports.
Additionally, a revision to the Martial Law Act was approved, which prohibits military and police entry into the National Assembly during martial law declarations.