South Korean President Lee Jae Myung nominated Han Seongsook, minister for small and midsize businesses and startups, to be prime minister on June 7, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. If approved by parliament, Han would become South Korea's first female prime minister in 20 years and the second female prime minister overall [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].
Han, 58, has a background as a technology journalist and startup executive before becoming chief executive of Naver, a major South Korean internet company sometimes called the "Google of Korea" [1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 6]. She later entered politics and served as minister for small and midsize businesses and startups, focusing on speed, results, engagement with businesses, supporting small business owners, and boosting exports [6].
Lee’s chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said Han "combines the practicality and innovative spirit of the private sector and understands better than anyone the need for a major AI-driven transformation in our society" [6]. He stated Lee has "judged nominee Han to be the right person to take responsibility for growth and people’s livelihoods at a time when the country faces a major strategic transition driven by AI innovation and complex global crises" [5]. Kang added 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" [1].
Han is expected to lead South Korea's AI-driven economic transformation and help spread benefits across the domestic economy [1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 6]. However, the prime minister's role in South Korea's presidential system is largely ceremonial and administrative [1, 2, 3, 6].
South Korea's ruling Democratic Party holds a majority in the 300-seat National Assembly, making Han's confirmation likely unless major ethical concerns arise [4, 5]. The outgoing prime minister Kim Min-seok is stepping down and plans to run for leadership of the ruling Democratic Party [4, 5, 7].
Han's nomination came days after Lee's party dominated local elections on June 4, 2026, despite losing the Seoul mayoral race; those elections faced controversy after about 50 polling stations nationwide reported ballot shortages [4, 5].
Parliament will review Han's nomination in the coming weeks before a confirmation vote. If approved, she will begin her tenure amid ongoing efforts to capitalize on AI innovation and boost economic growth across South Korea.
