( dpa ) - The South Korean government on Sunday nominated the country's former ambassador to China, Kim Ha Joong, as its new unification minister.
The 61-year-old career diplomat was nominated by newly-installed conservative President Lee Myung Bak as a concession to the liberal United Democratic Party (UDP), the strongest party in parliament.
Kim had among other positions had been an adviser under former president Kim Dae Jung, who opened a "sunshine policy" with communist North Korea.
Lee's original choice, Nam Joo Hong, declined the post after he came under fire for illegal real estate dealings and other alleged corruption. Nam was also criticized for wanting to take a harder line with the North.
Also on Sunday, Lee proposed named as environment minister, Lee Man Eui, a deputy in that ministry.
Both designated ministers have to undergo parliamentary hearings as to their suitability for their respective offices.