Lee names Han Seong-sook as South Korea prime minister nominee

June 7 (Asia Today) -- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday nominated Han Seong-sook, the minister of SMEs and startups and a former tech executive, as his next prime minister, saying she is suited to lead the country through an artificial intelligence transformation.

The appointment of Han, who served as the first minister of SMEs and startups under the Lee administration, signals that Lee is prioritizing economic and industrial policy over a more politically oriented choice as he begins his second year in office.

Han would become South Korea's first female prime minister in 20 years if she passes a National Assembly confirmation hearing and receives parliamentary approval. South Korea's last female prime minister was Han Myeong-sook, who served beginning in 2006.

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik announced the nomination during a briefing at Chunchugwan, the presidential press center.

"President Lee today nominated Minister of SMEs and Startups Han Seong-sook as his candidate for prime minister," Kang said.

Kang emphasized Han's experience leading a private-sector information technology company and overseeing small business policy.

"Based on her experience as an IT company chief executive and SMEs minister, she is expected to be the right person to carry out the era-defining task of AI transformation without disruption and lead growth for all of South Korea, not just part of the public," Kang said.

According to the presidential office, Han has overseen policies for small and midsize companies, small merchants, venture firms and startups as SMEs and startups minister in the Lee administration.

Lee had reportedly considered three figures for the post: Han, Kang and Justice Minister Chung Sung-ho.

Kang was seen as a candidate with a strong understanding of Lee's governing philosophy and experience coordinating political and policy affairs. Chung was also considered, but he was said to have shown little interest in the position after publicly dismissing speculation that he could be nominated.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok is expected to remain in office until the confirmation hearing and National Assembly approval process for his successor is completed.

Kim has been mentioned as a possible candidate in the Democratic Party leadership race scheduled for September.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260607010002158

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This story was originally published June 7, 2026 at 6:51 PM.