South Korea approves Hwang Kyo-ahn as new PM

South Korea’s parliament Thursday approved Hwang Kyoahn as the country’s prime minister, nearly a month after he was nominated by President Park Geunhye to the post.

The National Assembly approved Hwang’s appointment with 156 votes in favor and 120 against, Yonhap agency reported.

Hwang, 58, takes charge at a moment of a health crisis in the country caused by the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome or coronavirus outbreak, which has already claimed 23 lives.

Park chose Hwang as the new prime minister on May 21 after the post was vacated by Lee WanKoo over a corruption scandal.

Hwang has so far headed the Ministry of Justice in Park’s government since she assumed power in 2013.

The new prime minister, known for his ultraconservative stance, supported the disbanding of the Unified Progressive party, the thirdlargest party in the country, for alleged links to North Korea.