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President Park Geun-hye has appointed a defense minister and it's none other than the incumbent
defense chief, Kim Kwan-jin.
The decision came just hours after her first pick for the post, Kim Byung-kwan, resigned
over allegations of a string of ethical lapses.
Our presidential office correspondent Eoh Jin-joo reports. There won't be a confirmation
hearing for a second defense chief nominee.
Kim Kwan-jin is staying on.
Presidential spokesperson Kim Haing quotes President Park as saying that her government
could waste no more time on political disputes and confirmation hearings, especially at a
time when national security is being threatened by North Korean provocations.
"President Park has decided to retain Minister Kim, who has been acknowledged for his strong
awareness of national security and leadership, in order to stabilize national security and
to ease the public's anxiety.
The presidential office also called on ruling and opposition parties as well as the public
to fully support the government in maintaining security of the country.
Earlier in the day, President Park's defense minister nominee Kim Byung-kwan resigned and
apologized to the public for causing them concern.
Kim said he no longer wanted to be a burden on the Park administration and its state affairs.
Kim had refused to step down, despite allegations of tax evasion and real estate speculation,
and despite his career at a local arms broker involved in influence peddling.
However, his decision to step aside came after facing NEW allegations that he tried to hide
his ownership of shares in the Korea Myanmar Development Company.
The company stands accused of getting preferential treatment under the Lee Myung-bak administration
to win major gas development projects in Myanmar.
As for Kim Kwan-jin, he will not have to go through the parliamentary process.
This is the first time a defense minister from the previous government is being carried
over to the next one.
Eoh Jin-joo, Arirang News.