South Korea's president names new prime minister

South Korea's president names new prime ministerSeoul  - South Korean President Lee Myung Bak appointed a new prime minister Thursday as part of a cabinet shuffle.

The economist and former chancellor of Seoul National University, Chung Un Chan, was to replace Prime Minister Han Seung Soo.

Chung, 63, is a well-known expert on economics, the President's Office in Seoul said.

"His experience will allow him to more effectively assist the president and oversee the cabinet and to productively push forward centrist pragmatism and people-friendly policies," the office said.

Changing prime ministers is not unusual in South Korea and the most important decisions are made by the head of state, Lee, who has been in office since 1998.

The conservative president also appointed General Kim Tae Young, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to be the new minister of defence.

Lee changed the heads of the economics, justice, employment and equality ministries as well.

A minister without portfolio position was created to be filled by a deputy from the ruling party. (dpa)