New South Korean prime minister sworn in

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SEOUL, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Veteran prosecutor Chung Hong-won was sworn in Tuesday as the first prime minister for newly elected South Korean President Park Geun-hye, officials said.

Chung, 68, was a public prosecutor for 30 years and most recently headed the candidate nomination committee for Park's Saenuri party, the Yonhap News Agency reported.

During confirmation hearings last week, Chung faced questions from members of parliament about alleged ethical lapses involving issues including tax evasion and draft dodging by his son.

In a report to the Assembly after the hearings, lawmakers said Chung had an understanding of overall issues and a "strong will" to exercise the expanded duties given to him by Park.

The report added that Chung had a "lack of understanding" of state affairs and had failed to clear up suspicions he had earned an unusually large salary for a lawyer.

Park's nominees for 17 other Cabinet positions must still undergo confirmation hearings.