Parliament OKs Third Choice for Premiership

After embarrassing President Kim Dae Jung twice, South Korea’s opposition-controlled parliament approved Kim’s third candidate in two months for the job of prime minister.

The 210-31 vote in favor of Kim Suk Soo, a former Supreme Court judge, relieved President Kim, who has governed without a prime minister since July. Eight votes were declared invalid or abstentions.

South Korea’s one-house legislature voted down the president’s two previous nominees, citing ethical and other reasons.

The job of prime minister is largely ceremonial in South Korea. But the prime minister would lead the government if the president could not carry out his duties.