Lee Nominates Han as Prime Minister

President-elect Lee Myung-bak nominated Han Seung-soo, U.N. special envoy on climate change, to be the country’s next prime minister, on Monday.

"I asked (Ambassador Han) to work with me given his unrivalled global perspective and rich experiences both at home and overseas," Lee said at a press conference held at the transition committee’s headquarters.

Han has extensive experience in both governmental and diplomatic affairs. He has served in various posts to include: ambassador to the United States, commerce minister, foreign affairs minister, deputy prime minister-cum-finance minister, chairman of the U.N. General Assembly and a three-time elected official to the Korean National Assembly.

“Through his international experience and global network, I believe that he is the most qualified person to help revive our economy,” Lee said. “He is also the most competent person to deal with diplomatic issues related to trade and energy. And based on his experience with previous administrations, he also has a proven spirit of teamwork.”

Lee is planning to submit a request for Han’s confirmation hearing and necessary documents, which include tax and military service-related information, within a few days to the National Assembly.

Having announced his nominee for the prime minister’s post, Lee is reportedly to reveal his chief of staff as early as Tuesday and a list of his top ministers later this week.

swpark@donga.com