Updated

South Korea's prime minster-nominee has withdrawn from consideration following growing public criticism over his alleged ethical lapses.

President Park Geun-hye nominated former Supreme Court justice Ahn Dai-hee last week and his withdrawal is expected to hurt Park's push to reorganize her government to restore public confidence. Ahn's nomination required approved by the legislature.

The current prime minister offered to resign to take the responsibility for last month's ferry sinking that left more than 300 people dead or missing.

Ahn has been criticized following revelations he earned $1.6 million by working as a lawyer last year. Critics suspect that was possible due to a tradition that former senior judges and prosecutors get special favors in the initial lawsuits they assume as lawyers after retirements.