Chang Dae-Hwan Named New PM

President Kim Da-jung named Chang Dae-hwan, the president of Maeil Business Newspaper as the new acting Prime Minister on the 9th, nine days after his predecessor Chang Sang was denied confirmation at the National Assembly.

The 50 year-old Chang is the youngest prime minister designate since Kim Jong-pil was named premier in 1971 at the age of 45, and 8th youngest among 45 prime ministers since the establishment of the government.

Park Jie-won, chief secretary of the presidential office of Chungwadae said, "The new acting prime minister is a top CEO with vision, leadership and international experience and is reform-minded with the ability to push ahead with plans."

Park added that he is expected to make a huge contribution in developing nation`s economy by introducing voices from market into government operation.

The government is expected to submit Chang`s confirmation motion to the National Assembly, which will form a 13-member committee to lead a confirmation hearing. Then lawmakers will vote whether or not to confirm Chang as a new prime minister.

Regarding the designation of Chang as acting prime minister, m Gyeong-pil, spokesman of the Grand National Party (GNP) said, "The GNP hoped that the controversy over the acting premier system would die down this time, but we are sorry for the system still existing. The MDP is not willing to humbly accept the will of the public shown in the Aug. 8 by-elections"

Lee Nak-yeon, MDP spokesman said, `Acting Prime Minister Chang is equipped with an extensive knowledge in international affairs and economy, and has contributed a great deal to the future-oriented advancement of the media. His ability to perform state affairs and morality will be verified in his confirmation hearing."

Chol-Hi Lee klimt@donga.com