South Korea's Prime Minister nominee Han Seong-sook on Monday, 8 June vowed to make improving citizens' livelihoods her foremost priority if the National Assembly confirms her as the country's second-highest official. President Lee Jae Myung designated Han as successor to outgoing Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Sunday, citing her practical governance record over political credentials.

Han's Confirmation Pledge

Speaking to reporters after arriving at the office established for her parliamentary confirmation hearing preparations, Han outlined her governing philosophy in direct terms. "If I'm given the heavy responsibility of prime minister, I will devote all my energy to resolving the emergency situation in people's livelihoods," she said.

Han also addressed the broader economic moment, adding: "At a time when artificial intelligence accelerates the industrial reorganisation and the complex global crisis situation is ongoing, I will put spurs to the grand AI transition and focus on accelerating innovation. We also have to make sure that the fruits of such efforts will lead to opportunities and growth for all people."

Why Lee Chose a Technocrat Over a Politician

President Lee, speaking at a press conference marking his first year in office, explained that he deliberately chose Han over a career politician. "Our Cabinet is going to run at full speed under the given circumstances, and I have determined that SMEs Minister Han is the right person. She works very hard and does a great job," Lee said. He added, with a note of humour, that civil servants under Han had reportedly complained about the demanding pace she set — and that he wanted other public servants to experience the same standard.

The replacement comes as outgoing Prime Minister Kim prepares to contest the leadership of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea. Han expressed gratitude to Kim for his accomplishments as the Lee administration's first prime minister, and pledged to build on his record while delivering visible changes that citizens can directly feel.

From Naver CEO to Cabinet Minister

Han, 59, brings a distinctly non-political career arc to the role. A graduate of Sookmyung Women's University (class of 1989), she began as a reporter at a local computer journal before joining Empas, a pioneering South Korean web portal, as a founding member in 1997.

She later moved to NHN — the predecessor of internet giant Naver — where she played a central role in building it into South Korea's dominant online platform. In 2017, she was appointed CEO of Naver, becoming the company's first female chief executive. Fortune Magazine named her among its 50 Most Powerful Women in the World from 2017 to 2020.

Following her departure as CEO, Han led Naver's European operations and later served as a company adviser before entering government as Minister for Medium-Sized Enterprises and Startups. In that role, she championed the 'Startup for All' initiative targeting youth entrepreneurship and strengthened support structures for small businesses and self-employed workers.

A Historic Appointment if Confirmed

If the National Assembly approves her nomination, Han would become the Lee Jae Myung government's first female prime minister and only South Korea's second female prime minister in history. The first was Han Myeong-sook, who held the post from 2006 to 2007. The confirmation hearing date has not yet been announced.