S.Korea approves first female prime minister

SEOUL, Apr 19: South Korea's parliament approved today the country's first female prime minister, Han Myeong-sook, a lawmaker and former democracy activist who was once jailed for political protests.

In vote of 182 to 77, the parliament approved President Roh Moo-hyun's nomination of Han.

Han, 61, replaces veteran legislator Lee Hae-chan, who was considered one of the most powerful prime ministers in the country's history. Lee resigned last month after criticism for playing golf while a railway strike caused transport chaos.

REUTERS