2nd LD Writethru: S.Korean president names four ministers in cabinet reshuffle

South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Tuesday named four new ministers, including unification minister, in charge of inter-Korean affairs after former ruling Saenuri Party floor leader Lee Wan-koo took office as new prime minister.

Presidential spokesman Min Kyung-wook told reporters that Hong Yong-pyo, presidential secretary for unification affairs, was named as new unification minister.

Rep. Yoo Il-ho of the ruling party was nominated as new transport minister, and the ruling party lawmaker Yoo Ki-june was named as maritime affairs and fisheries minister.

Yim Jong-yong, chief executive of NongHyup Financial Group, was named as Financial Services Commission (FSC) chief.

The cabinet reshuffle came as former ruling party floor leader Lee was approved by lawmakers to take the post of prime minister Monday.

Lee, 64, who was involved in various allegations such as real estate speculation and helping his son avoid military service, officially took office Tuesday, leading President Park to form a new cabinet under the new second-highest cabinet official. Two former prime minister nominees dropped out due to ethical and ideological issues.

Among 18 cabinet members, including prime minister and deputy prime ministers, six are former lawmakers or politicians in favor of President Park. Such forming of the cabinet is expected to strengthen Park's drive to bolster the sluggish economy.

Presidential Chief of Staff Kim Ki-choon would remain in office. Park is reportedly to consider whether to replace Kim after the five-day Lunar New Year's holiday ends on Sunday. Enditem