Kim Tae-ho has been nominated prime minister of
South Korea in a top-level shakeup, government officials announced Sunday.
Presidential spokesman Hong Sang-pyo said Kim, 47, will improve communication with "the young generation," and drive a more pragmatic
government, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported.
The last shakeup in President Lee Myung -bak's cabinet was in 2009. The latest move also replaces seven ministers and a pair of minister-level officials.
Kim is the former governor of South Gyeongsang Province, Yonhap said.
The latest reorganization followed the ruling Grand National Party's defeat in June's local elections.
"The Cabinet shake-up this time is aimed at solidifying the keynote of moderate pragmatism-oriented policy based on communication and integrity," Hong said..
The reorganization does not affect officials handling foreign affairs and Kim will keep a tough attitude in relations with North Korea, Yonhap said, noting Kim blames North Korea for the sinking of a warship in March.
"I will try to become an icon of communication and unity," Kim said following his appointment. "The key agendas of the Lee Myung-bak government
are a pro-seomin (ordinary working people) policy, centrist pragmatism and economic rehabilitation."
Kim will now face confirmation hearings before the National Assembly, which must approve his nomination.