South Korea's National Assembly on Monday approved Han Duck-soo, former finance minister, as the nation's new prime minister.

Han was nominated by President Roh Moo-hyun on March 9 as prime minister to take over the post left by Han Myeong-sook, who resigned earlier in preparation for the Uri Party's campaign for the presidential election in December.

Han is to take office on Tuesday.

Han earned a doctorate in economics from Harvard University. He has held a string of top financial posts, such as a presidential advisor on free trade talks with the United States, trade minister and ambassador to the Paris-based Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development.

Source: Xinhua