South Korea names Han Seongsook as first female PM pick in decades

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has put forward Han Seongsook, the minister for small and midsize businesses and startups, as his nominee for prime minister. The presidential office announced the decision on Sunday, noting that Han is poised to become the first female prime minister in 20 years if approved by parliament.

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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.

Han, who previously led South Korean internet giant Naver as its chief executive, is anticipated to guide the nation's efforts in artificial intelligence transformation. Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik highlighted Han's potential to translate economic growth, currently fueled by the semiconductor boom and rising exports, into inclusive development that benefits all sectors, including small and medium-sized enterprises.

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The country has lost a great mentor in the history of our democracy.

The prime minister in South Korea holds a position that is primarily ceremonial and administrative within the country's presidential system. Han will succeed Kim Min-seok, who served as the first prime minister under the Lee administration from July 2025 until his resignation in June. The article also notes the passing of former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan earlier this year, a significant figure in South Korea's democratic history, who died at 73 after a heart attack.

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He dedicated his life to protecting and growing democratic values through our turbulent modern history.