Kim Boo-kyum, a former four-term lawmaker and interior minister of South Korea, was nominated as the country's new prime minister, Yonhap reported on Friday, citing an announcement by the presidential office. 

President Moon Jae-in made the decision in a cabinet reshuffle following the ruling Democratic Party's defeat in the by-elections for new mayors of Seoul and Busan earlier this month. 

Moon also nominated new land, labor, industry, science and ocean ministers. 

Kim is expected to replace Chung Sye-kyun after the National Assembly's confirmation hearing. Chung has offered to resign following a 15-month stint. 

Kim was South Korea's interior minister from 2017 to 2019. He lost a battle for the party's leadership to Moon in 2016.