Prime Minister of South Korea

The Prime Minister of South Korea (국무총리 ; Gukmuchongri) is appointed by the President of South Korea with the National Assembly's approval. Unlike prime ministers in the parliamentary system, the Prime Minister of South Korea is not required to be a member of parliament. He is responsible for the assistance of the President, supervision of the government ministries, and recommendation of ministers.

The current Prime Minister of South Korea, as of July 2004, is Lee Hai Chan. The position was created in August 1948, when South Korea was founded, and was first held by Lee Bum Suk until 1950. The title of the prime minister was Chief Cabinet Minister instead of prime minister from 1961 until 1963. When a Prime Minister has been appointed by the President but not confirmed by the Parliament, that person is known as the acting Prime Minister. The Prime Minister also becomes acting President of South Korea if the president dies, resigns or is impeached.