South Korea's president Park Geun Hye on Wednesday replaced the prime minister, the deputy prime minister for economic affairs, and the minister for public safety and security amid a controversial scandal surrounding her longtime confidant.

    Kim Byong Joon, a university professor and former presidential secretary during former President Roh Moo Hyun's administration, was named to replace Hwang Kyo Ahn as prime minister, according to Yonhap news agency.

    Park also named Yim Jong Yong, head of the Financial Services Commission, as deputy prime minister for economic affairs, and Park Seung Joo, former vice minister of Gender Equality and Family, as the minister for public safety and security.

    The cabinet reshuffle came amid allegations on Choi Soon-sil, who is suspected of peddling influence and intervening in state affairs behind the scenes by using her longtime friendship with President Park.

    Meanwhile, senior members of the main opposition Minjoo Party denounced the President for naming the second-highest cabinet member without any advance notice and discussion with the opposition party.

Source: QNA