South Korean President Lee Jae Myung announced Sunday his selection of Han Seongsook as the country’s next prime minister nominee, according to the presidential office.
Han currently serves as the minister for small and midsize businesses and startups. Should parliament give its approval, she would mark a historic milestone as South Korea’s first woman prime minister in two decades.
The nominee brings significant private sector experience, having previously led South Korean internet giant Naver as its chief executive. Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik indicated during a press briefing that Han is anticipated to spearhead the nation’s artificial intelligence transformation efforts.
“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.
Under South Korea’s governmental structure, the prime minister position functions primarily in ceremonial and administrative capacities within the presidential system.
