Seoul, Feb 29: South Korea's parliament approved President Lee Myung-bak's choice for prime minister Friday, paving the way for the new leader to form his first Cabinet.

The National Assembly confirmed the nomination of Han Seung-soo as prime minister in a 174-94 vote.

Han, 72, is a veteran politician who has held several high-profile posts. Though the post of prime minister is largely ceremonial with little decision-making power, the premier leads the country if the president becomes incapacitated.

His approval by the opposition-controlled National Assembly came after Lee, who took office Monday, accepted a key opposition demand that two of his Cabinet nominees be replaced over their alleged ethical lapses, related primarily to real-estate speculation.

The Assembly had originally been scheduled to vote Tuesday on Han's appointment, but the opposition United Democratic Party delayed the vote in an apparent attempt to pressure Lee to accept its demands.

On Wednesday, the two nominees offered their resignations, which Lee accepted as an olive-branch to the opposition.

The opposition's consent to Han's appointment was widely expected following the resignations.

The nominee standoff had put Lee in the awkward position of having to temporarily work with the Cabinet of his predecessor, Roh Moo-hyun.

Lee was expected later Friday to formally appoint some ministers who already underwent parliamentary hearings.

But the Cabinet was expected to include at least four members of the previous administration until the two vacated posts and two others can be filled.

A third ministerial candidate quit earlier, also over allegations of real-estate speculation.

The opposition declared a fourth prospect, for the post of health minister, unfit for the job and demanded he be replaced.

The rival political parties have been jockeying for position ahead of April's parliamentary elections. Lawmakers hold four-year terms, making the polls are a key vote that will shape South Korea's political landscape for most of Lee's five-year term.