South Korea Parliament Approves Kim Min-seok as Prime Minister

South Korea's parliament approved Kim Min-seok as the new prime minister, a key ally of President Lee Jae-myung, following Lee's election victory in early June. Despite opposition objections from the conservative People Power Party, which called for Kim's resignation over allegations concerning his wealth and family, the ruling Democratic Party used its parliamentary majority to confirm him. Kim gained attention for predicting the previous president Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived martial law decree before Yoon was ousted in April. Upon approval, Kim emphasized that economic recovery would be his top priority as prime minister. The parliamentary session also included votes on significant legislative matters, such as revisions to the Commercial Act to expand fiduciary duties of corporate board members and a proposed amendment to the Martial Law Act restricting military and police entry into the National Assembly. Kim's appointment marks a significant step in President Lee's efforts to form his cabinet and implement his administration's agenda.