The Republic of Korea (RoK)’s President Lee Myung-pak on September 3 named Chung Un-chan, an economics professor, as his new Prime Minister.

The shake-up also included the defence minister and five other ministers, the President’s office reported. This is the national leader’s first large-scale Cabinet reshuffle after he was elected RoK President 18 months ago.

Seoul National University Professor Chung Un-chan was nominated to replace Han Seung-Soo as prime minister. He has introduced political initiatives which are expected to faithfully back Lee Myung-pak’s policy of supporting the working class.

Lee also named Gen. Kim Tae-young, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as his new defence minister. He also replaced the ministers of justice, knowledge economy, labour, and gender equality, and appointed a ruling party lawmaker to a newly-created post, as a special minister handling political affairs.