(LEAD) Yoon's spokesperson denies report on PM's retention

(ATTN: ADDS more info at bottom)

SEOUL, March 14 (Yonhap) -- A spokesperson for President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol denied a news report Monday that Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum is being considered for retention in the incoming government.

The Chosun Ilbo newspaper carried the report earlier in the day, saying retaining Kim would avoid political wrangling during the parliamentary confirmation process for a new prime minister and demonstrate a commitment to working together with the opposition party.

"Prime Minister Kim is a person of virtue and is respected," said Rep. Kim Eun-hye of the People Power Party (PPP), Yoon's spokesperson, at a press briefing. "But there has been no discussion about retaining him as prime minister."

The spokesperson said the process of selecting a new prime minister will begin in time.

"We will carry out the selection process in order for the new prime minister to work with us in time for the launch of the new administration," she said.

An official from the prime minister's office called the report "very inappropriate."

"Prime Minister Kim thinks he has a role up to the point where he wraps up state affairs ... and hands them over" to the next government, the official said.

kdon@yna.co.kr
(END)