South Korea's PM-in-waiting quits amid scandal over misconduct

The man nominated to be South Korea's next prime minister announced his withdrawal Sunday amid a scandal over alleged misconduct while he was a provincial governor.

Kim Tae-ho, 47, was put forward for prime minister three weeks ago as part of a major cabinet reshuffle by President Lee Myung-bak, who is midway through his five-year term.

"I am giving up the designation in order not to do more damage to the president's political operations," Kim said at a press conference.

Kim came under fire during a parliamentary confirmation hearing last week over charges that he under-reported income, illegally took bank loans for election campaigns and made local government employees do his household chores while he was governor of South Gyeongsang Province in the southeast.

Lawmakers also criticized Kim's wife for allegedly using provincial government employees and public vehicles for private purposes.

Kim was also accused of lying about links to a businessman jailed for offering bribes to politicians.

The ruling and opposition parties had agreed Friday to postpone a vote until Wednesday on Kim's confirmation, amid questions over his suitability.

The presidential office said Kim was expected to play a key role in improving communications with the younger generation. He would have been the youngest prime minister in almost 40 years.

The presidential office said Sunday that it would respect Kim's decision, according to the Yonhap News Agency. It quoted an unidentified official as saying the selection process for another nominee would begin immediately.

Shin Jae-min, the nominee for culture minister, and Lee Jae-hoon, the knowledge economy minister nominee, also offered their resignations Sunday.

AFP