Profile Prime Minister nominee Kim Byong-joon

Kim Byong-joon, tapped as South Korea's prime minister Wednesday, served as a policy secretary to late President Roh Moon-hyun, a liberal figure who is still admired by those in the opposition.

The 62-year-old, who graduated from Yeungnam University in southern South Korea, has served as a professor at Kookmin University in Seoul since 1986. He worked in various public and nongovernmental organizations as a policy adviser.

The prime minister nominee has been an advocate of decentralization of power, and sought balanced development among different provinces of the country.

Kim joined Roh's election campaign in 2002 and oversaw key policies pushed forward by the administration. He then held the post of education minister.

Roh, who led the country from 2003 to 2008, killed himself in May 2009, expressing emotional stress over a months-long corruption probe involving his immediate family.

Political pundits said Park considered Kim's connection with Roh in an effort to appeal to the opposition bloc. He is viewed by many as being neutral in his political affiliations.

Kim is anticipated to lead key state affairs, amid the rising public's discontent against President Park Geun-hye, who has been criticized for allegedly letting her close confidante meddle in state affairs. (Yonhap)