A file picture shows Do Jong-hwan, a poet-turned lawmaker selected as South Korea's new culture minister.[Aju News DB]
Do Jong-hwan, a poet-turned lawmaker, was picked as new minister for culture, sports and tourism as President Moon Jae-in nominated four ruling party lawmakers as cabinet members.
Do, 62, was a school teacher and a part-time poet until the death of his wife compelled him to write "You, My Hollyhock", the best-selling 1986 collection of love poems which brought him critical acclaim and fame. He was once jailed for activities for a teacher's union, became a Democratic Party lawmaker in 2012, and served as Moon's adviser.
Do became the 10th minister for Moon's 18-member cabinet. Kim Boo-kyum was tapped as interior minister and Kim Hyun-mee will head the land, infrastructure and transport ministry. Kim Young-choon was made minister for oceans and fisheries.
Moon, who took office on May 10, has yet to form his cabinet because of a delayed confirmation hearing in parliament on Prime Minister-designate Lee Nak-yon. Opposition lawmakers vetoed Lee's nomination, citing irregularities involving his wife.
The president asked for public understanding for lack of time to find a better candidate for the prime minister, a figurehead job in South Korea.
Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
