South Korea Nominates Tech Industry Veteran Han Seong-sook as First Female Prime Minister in Two Decades

Jun 7, 2026

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung nominated Han Seong-sook as prime minister on June 7, 2026. If approved by parliament, Han would become South Korea's first female prime minister in 20 years. Han currently serves as SME and Startup Minister and previously led Naver Corp as CEO. She is expected to lead South Korea's AI transformation, chosen for her IT background and experience heading the SME ministry.

Han Seong-sook nomination

▪If approved by parliament, Han Seong-sook would become South Korea's first female prime minister in 20 years.
▪South Korean President Lee Jae Myung nominated Han Seong-sook as prime minister on June 7, 2026.
▪Han Seong-sook served as South Korea's minister for small and midsize businesses and startups at the time of Han Seong-sook's nomination as prime minister.
▪The role of prime minister is largely ceremonial and administrative under South Korea's presidential system.

Tech industry background

▪Naver is a South Korean internet giant.
▪Han Seong-sook previously served as chief executive officer of Naver Corp.
▪Han Seong-sook was one of President Lee Jae Myung's first Cabinet appointees.

AI transformation mandate

▪Han Seong-sook was chosen to lead South Korea's AI transformation and growth because of Han Seong-sook's IT background and experience heading the SME ministry.
▪Han Seong-sook is expected to lead South Korea's AI transformation.
▪Han Seong-sook's appointment as prime minister requires approval by South Korea's parliament.

Inclusive economic growth focus

▪Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik stated that Han Seong-sook will be able to transform South Korea's economic growth into inclusive growth that reaches small and medium-sized enterprises.
▪South Korea's economic growth is driven by the semiconductor boom and rising exports.