Prime Minister nominee Rep. Lee Wan-koo on Monday vowed to become a deputy who would not be afraid to offer honest policy advice to President Park Geun-hye, amid widespread frustration that Park has become increasingly aloof to public opinion.

“I intend to exercise all of the prime minister’s constitutional rights,” Lee said, repeating earlier comments that he would not be another “ceremonial” prime minister.

South Korean prime ministers usually lack clout, as power is concentrated in the president. Only a few wielded meaningful authority, such as Goh Kun in 2004, when President Roh Moo-hyun was impeached.

But offering stern advice to a reportedly icy president will not be the only challenge for Lee. The three-term lawmaker will also have to defend himself and his family from accusations of draft-dodging and influence peddling at his confirmation hearing next week.

President Park last Friday appointed Lee as prime minister, a day after a weekly Gallup Korea poll put Park’s public rating at 30 percent.

Critics blamed the record-low rating on this year’s tax increases and Park’s refusal to give in to popular demand that she conduct a shake-up of her staff, after a series of influence peddling scandals involving her top aides put the presidential office’s public trust in jeopardy.

Park supporters hope Lee’s image as a parliamentary deal-broker will help turn around her falling popularity. Lee is credited with successfully negotiating divisive bills with the main opposition New Politics Alliance for Democracy as the governing Saenuri Party’s floor leader. NPAD leaders have echoed such optimism.

But the NPAD has also warned that Lee’s reputation as a reasonable compromiser does not guarantee the National Assembly’s approval of his nomination at the confirmation hearing next week.

NPAD officials have already initiated attacks on the nominee’s family members. Lee’s second son has been accused of dodging South Korea’s mandatory draft in 2006 by faking a ligament injury.

Lee has been accused of condoning an influence peddling scandal in which his brother was arrested in 2011 for receiving cash for favorable treatment of contractors in a public construction project in South Chuncheong province. Lee was the provincial governor from 2006 to 2009.

Governing party lawmakers have helped Lee ready his defense, despite criticism that incumbent legislators should refrain from assisting prospective government officials. Lee has said that he is prepared to respond to the accusations.

“I hope that the confirmation hearing will be productive,” he said on Sunday, apparently hinting that he wished to avoid lengthy verbal fights with his fellow lawmakers over his family.

Lee’s acceptance of the nomination has left his post as Saenuri Party floor leader vacant. Reps. Lee Ju-young and Yoo Seong-min are likely to be the top two candidates.

By Jeong Hunny (hj257@heraldcorp.com)