Woman to be first Korean in space

A South Korean astronaut has been officially approved as a member of the main Soyuz crew due to take off for the International Space Station next month.

The first ever Korean astronaut Yi So-Yeon is a replacement for her compatriot, who was rejected by officials for breaking training rules.

The approval came following pre-flight tests on Tuesday.

Soyuz will blast off from Baikonur on April 8 on the 17th mission to the ISS.