South Korea names new prime minister

Seoul: South Korea's parliament approved President Lee Myung-bak's choice for prime minister on Friday, paving the way for the new leader to form his first Cabinet.

The National Assembly confirmed the nomination of Han Seung-soo as prime minister in a 174-94 vote.

Han, 72, is a veteran politician who has held several high-profile posts. Though the post of prime minister is largely ceremonial with little decision-making power, the premier leads the country if the president becomes incapacitated.