President taps ruling party lawmaker as new agriculture minister

SEOUL, President Moon Jae-in on Thursday nominated a ruling party lawmaker as the new agriculture minister, a post that has been vacant for more than four months.

Lee Gae-ho of the ruling Democratic Party has been tapped the new minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs, the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae said.

Lee, if appointed, will replace Kim Yung-rok, who resigned in mid-March to run in the June 13 local elections. Kim was elected the governor of South Jeolla Province.

Lee is currently serving his second term as a lawmaker, and is a member of the parliamentary committee on agriculture, food and rural affairs.

The 60-year-old was born in Damyang, South Jeolla Province. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Chonnam National University.

The nominee must go through a parliamentary confirmation hearing before he can be appointed.

Source: Yonhap News Agency