South Korea Nominates First Female PM in Two Decades

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has nominated Han Sung-sook, the incumbent Minister of SMEs and Startups and former CEO of Naver, as the country’s next prime minister. If confirmed by the National Assembly, Han would become only the second female prime minister in South Korea’s history — and the first in 20 years since Han Myung-sook served under President Roh Moo-hyun from 2006 to 2007.

The nomination, announced on June 7 by Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik at a press briefing, places one of South Korea’s most prominent technology executives at the center of the Lee administration’s second-year agenda, with a strong emphasis on AI-driven economic transformation.

A Tech Executive Turned Politician

Han Sung-sook, 58, brings an unconventional background to the prime ministerial nomination. Born in Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi Province, she graduated from Sookmyung Women’s University — a notable departure from the Seoul National University pedigree that dominates Korean politics. She began her career as an IT journalist before becoming a founding member of the portal site Empas in 1997.

According to The Korea Times, Han joined NHN, Naver’s predecessor, in 2007 and rose through the ranks to become Naver’s first female CEO in 2017. During her five-year tenure, she drove the company’s expansion beyond search into e-commerce, content, and platform services. After stepping down in 2022, she served as head of Naver’s European business development before being appointed Minister of SMEs and Startups in July 2025.

AI Transformation at the Forefront

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik framed the nomination as a strategic choice for an era of technological transformation. “Based on her experience as an IT company CEO and Minister of SMEs and Startups, we expect her to be the right person to flawlessly complete the great AI transformation — the task of our era — and to lead growth not for only part of the population, but for all of Korea,” Kang said at the briefing, as reported by The Paper.

Kang added that Han would 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.”

When asked whether Han’s gender was a factor in her selection, Kang responded firmly: “The administration’s personnel decisions are based strictly on competence and ability. If you’re asking why a woman was chosen, I don’t think that’s an appropriate question to ask in 2026.”

Political and Economic Implications

Political analysts see the nomination as a signal of President Lee’s governing style. Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University, told The Korea Times that Han’s lack of a long political career suggests the president intends to take a more direct role in governing. “The nomination can be seen as an expression of that determination,” Shin said.

The business community has responded enthusiastically. Six major economic organizations — including the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Korea International Trade Association, and the Federation of Korean Industries — issued a joint statement welcoming the nomination, according to Energy Economy News. They described Han as “a first-generation expert in Korea’s IT industry” who “understands corporate concerns and market language better than anyone.”

Historical Significance

If confirmed, Han Sung-sook would become South Korea’s second female prime minister, following Han Myung-sook, who served from April 2006 to March 2007. The 20-year gap between female prime ministers underscores the persistent gender gap in South Korea’s top political positions, even as the country has made strides in other areas of gender representation.

Under South Korea’s presidential system, the prime minister is the second-highest executive position but is largely ceremonial and administrative, assisting the president and overseeing ministries. Real executive power rests with the president.

What’s Next

Han arrived at her confirmation hearing preparation office in Seoul on June 8, where she faces questions from the press and, ultimately, a parliamentary confirmation process. With the ruling Democratic Party holding a majority in the 300-member National Assembly, her confirmation is widely expected barring any major ethical concerns. President Lee was also expected to elaborate on the nomination during a press briefing marking his first anniversary in office on June 8.

As Channel NewsAsia noted, the nomination comes at a critical juncture for South Korea, as the country navigates AI-driven industrial transformation, global supply chain restructuring, and demographic challenges. Han’s unique blend of technology leadership and government experience positions her as a pivotal figure in shaping the nation’s next chapter.