Lee Han-dong Named S. Korean Prime Minister

South Korean President Kim Dae-jung on Monday morning nominated Lee Han-dong, leader of a minor opposition, as the new prime minister to succeed Park Tai-jung who resigned last weekend over a tax evasion scandal.

The nomination, which was announced by Presidential Chief of Staff Han Kwang-ok, is subject to approval by the National Assembly.

The house is expected to approve the nomination after the incoming 16th National Assembly leadership and floor groups are formed in early June.

Lee, the 66-year-old leader of the United Liberal Democrats (ULD), is a six-term lawmaker who started his political career with the now-defunct Democratic Justice Party (DJP) established by then President Chun Du-hwan.

A graduate of the law school of Seoul National University, Lee worked as judge, prosecutor and lawyer before joining the DJP as a founding member in 1981.

Lee served as secretary general, chief policy-maker