Prime Minister of South Korea : Ask Biography

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The Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea is appointed by the President with the National Assembly's approval. Unlike prime ministers in the parliamentary system, the Prime Minister of South Korea is not required to be a member of parliament.

The Prime Minister assists the President, supervises ministries, and recommends ministers. The Prime Minister is the first in the order of succession to discharge the duties of the office of the President as the acting-president should the president be unable to discharge his office. The last person to have served as the acting-president was Goh Kun during the impeachment trial of President Roh Moo-hyun in 2004.

The position was created in August 1948, when South Korea was founded, and was held by Lee Bum Suk until 1950. The title was Chief Cabinet Minister from 1961 until 1963.

A Prime Minister appointed by the President but not confirmed by the Assembly is known as the acting Prime Minister. The Prime Minister becomes acting president if the president dies, resigns or is impeached.