Who is Han Seong-sook? South Korea first likely woman Prime Minister in 20 years

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has nominated Han Seong-sook, the country’s minister for small and midsize businesses and startups, to be prime minister, the presidential office said on Sunday.If approved by parliament, Han would become South Korea’s first female prime minister in 20 years.Han, who previously served as chief executive of South Korean internet giant Naver, is expected to lead the country’s AI-driven economic transformation, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-shik said at a press briefing.“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,” Kang said.

A self-made leader

Announcing the nomination, Kang described Han as a leader capable of delivering growth that benefits the entire nation, noting that she rose from an ordinary office worker to become the head of a leading digital company.“Han combines the practicality and innovative spirit of the private sector and understands better than anyone the need for a major AI-driven transformation in our society,” Kang said.Before entering government, Han built her career in the technology sector, serving as CEO of Naver. She also held positions as senior vice president overseeing services at Naver and head of the search business division at Empas. She graduated from Sookmyung Women’s University with a degree in English language and literature.

Record as SMEs minister

Kang highlighted Han’s performance as SMEs minister, saying she had emphasized speed, results and engagement with businesses on the ground while working to support small business owners.According to the presidential office, her tenure helped deliver tangible achievements, including record-high exports by SMEs and efforts to strengthen Korea’s startup ecosystem.The role of prime minister is largely ceremonial and administrative under South Korea’s presidential system.