Han Myung-sook、a nominee for the next prime minister

Roh asked the National Assembly to swiftly confirm his appointment so that Han could begin handling state affairs. Most power is concentrated in the president's office, but the prime minister handles much of South Korea's domestic affairs.

"President Roh expects the nominee to resolve major state affairs in a stable . . . manner through soft leadership and strong policy implementation," the presidential office said in a news release.

The nomination came a week after Lee Hae-chan stepped down as prime minister following strong public and opposition criticism for playing golf rather than overseeing the government's response to a rail strike March 1.

The Japan Times Weekly: April 1, 2006
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