South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has officially chosen Han Seongsook, the country's minister for small and midsize businesses and startups and former chief executive of internet giant Naver, as prime minister, according to the presidential office. The nomination was confirmed on Sunday, marking a potentially historic appointment for the country. If approved by the National Assembly, Han, 58, will become South Korea's first female prime minister in two decades and only the second woman to hold the post after Han Myeong-sook, who served from 2006 to 2007. The nomination comes as Prime Minister Kim Min-seok is expected to step down to pursue the leadership of the ruling Democratic Party.
Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik announced the nomination at a press briefing, explaining that Lee selected Han because of her unique blend of experience in both the technology sector and government at a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping economies worldwide. As reported by Reuters, Kang stated that Han is expected to successfully accomplish the era-defining task of the AI transition and lead growth for all Koreans, not just a segment of society. The role of prime minister is largely ceremonial and administrative under South Korea's presidential system, but Kang emphasized that Han will be able to transform South Korea's economic growth — driven by the semiconductor boom and rising exports — into inclusive growth that reaches everyone, including small and medium-sized enterprises. Lee has "judged nominee Han to be the right person to take responsibility for growth and people's livelihoods at a time when the country faces a major strategic transition driven by AI innovation and complex global crises," Kang added.
According to The Korea Herald, Han is widely recognised as one of South Korea's most influential technology executives. After graduating from Sookmyung Women's University with a degree in English language and literature, she began her career as a technology reporter before moving into the internet industry. She later joined Empas, one of South Korea's early internet portal companies, where she led its search business. In 2007, Han joined Naver and rose through the ranks, holding senior positions including search quality director and general service director, before becoming Naver's first female CEO in 2017. Following her departure as CEO in 2022, Han led Naver's European business development efforts and later served as an adviser to the company and chair of the Korea Internet Enterprise Association.
As minister for SMEs and startups, Han launched the 'Startup for Everyone Project' and pushed policies aimed at promoting business growth and innovation. As reported by The Korea Herald, Han subsequently entered public service as minister for SMEs and startups, where she launched the 'Startup for Everyone Project' and pushed policies aimed at promoting business growth and innovation. Kang described her as an inspirational leader who began her career as an ordinary office worker and rose to lead one of the country's premier digital companies. The nomination comes at a time when South Korea is focusing on AI transformation and inclusive growth, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.
With Lee's party holding a majority in the 300-member National Assembly, Han's confirmation is widely expected unless major ethical concerns emerge. The nomination comes after Lee's party dominated local elections on Wednesday, although the Democratic Party lost the high-profile Seoul mayoral race to the opposition. The elections also sparked controversy over ballot shortages that affected 50 polling stations nationwide, prompting the head of the state election watchdog to resign. If confirmed, the 58-year-old will become only the second woman to serve as prime minister, following Han Myeong-sook's tenure from 2006 to 2007. The appointment represents a significant milestone for gender representation in South Korean politics, with Han's technology expertise expected to play a crucial role in the country's AI-driven economic transformation.
