Seoul names ‘Mr Smile’ as PM

South Korean President Moon Jae-in appointed an anodyne former parliamentary speaker known as “Mr Smile” as prime minister Tuesday, after a previous cabinet appointment triggered a corruption scandal and mass protests.

Chung Sye-kyun -- a sixterm lawmaker and former commerce minister -- earned the soubriquet for his mild demeanour, and local reports say he has six times been voted the “most gentlemanly lawmaker” by reporters covering the National Assembly.

“He has always pursued politics that listen, by valuing dialogue and compromise with his gentle personality,” Moon said. Under South Korea’s strong executive presidency, the prime ministerial job is largely ceremonial.