South Korea's Lee nominates Han Seong-sook as first female PM of his term
Synopsis
South Korea is set to get only its second female prime minister in history. President Lee Jae Myung's nomination of former Naver CEO Han Seong-sook — framed explicitly around AI leadership — signals a deliberate pivot in the administration's second-year agenda, even as outgoing PM Kim Min-seok heads for a party leadership race.
Key Takeaways
President Lee Jae Myung nominated Han Seong-sook as South Korea's next prime minister on 7 June 2025 .
If confirmed, Han would be South Korea's second female prime minister — the first since Han Myeong-sook (2006–2007).
Han is a former CEO of online portal giant Naver and has served as SME minister since the Lee administration's inauguration.
Outgoing PM Kim Min-seok is reportedly stepping down to contest the Democratic Party leadership at its August–September convention.
The reshuffle coincides with President Lee marking one year in office , with a policy address scheduled for Monday .
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on 7 June 2025 nominated Han Seong-sook, the current minister of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as the country's next prime minister, a senior presidential official confirmed on Sunday. If the National Assembly approves the nomination, Han would become the first female prime minister of the Lee administration and only the second woman to hold the post in South Korean history.
A Historic Nomination
The last woman to serve as South Korea's prime minister was Han Myeong-sook, who held the position from 2006 to 2007. Han Seong-sook's confirmation would mark a significant milestone for the Lee government, which completed its first year in office following the president's inauguration on 4 June 2024.
Han brings an unusual profile to the role. A former chief executive of Naver, South Korea's dominant online portal, she spent the bulk of her career in the internet industry before joining the Lee cabinet as SME minister at the start of the administration.
Why Han Was Chosen
Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik announced the nomination, describing Han as someone capable of 'flawlessly attaining the epochal transition to artificial intelligence and spearheading South Korea's growth for all,' citing her technology-sector background. The framing signals that the Lee administration intends to position AI-led economic transformation as a central pillar of its second year in office.
Notably, the Prime Minister's Office has already assembled a preparatory team to assist Han in readying for her parliamentary confirmation hearing, according to reports — an indication that the presidential office is moving quickly to formalise the transition.
Outgoing PM Kim Min-seok
Incumbent Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who served as the Lee administration's first prime minister, is stepping down reportedly to contest the leadership of the ruling Democratic Party (DP) at its convention expected in August or September. Presidential chief of staff Kang credited Kim's performance for the government's policy results over the past year, expressing the presidential office's formal gratitude for his service.
This comes amid a broader reshuffle as the Lee government transitions into its second year, with the president scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday to mark the first anniversary of his inauguration and outline his policy vision for the remainder of his five-year term.
What Comes Next
Han's nomination now moves to the National Assembly for a confirmation hearing. South Korean parliamentary confirmation processes can be contentious, and opposition parties are expected to scrutinise her tech-industry background and policy positions closely. Should she clear the hearing, she will inherit a portfolio that includes managing South Korea's AI transition agenda, SME development, and the broader economic priorities of the Lee administration's second year.
Point of View
The ruling Democratic Party faces internal competition at a moment when the government needs legislative cohesion. Whether Han can navigate the National Assembly's confirmation process — and then manage a cabinet agenda that spans AI policy, SME support, and economic reform — will be the first real test of Lee's second-year strategy.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Han Seong-sook, South Korea's prime minister nominee?
Han Seong-sook is South Korea's current minister of small and medium-sized enterprises and a former chief executive of Naver, the country's largest online portal. President Lee Jae Myung nominated her on 7 June 2025 to become the next prime minister, pending National Assembly confirmation.
Why is Han Seong-sook's nomination historically significant?
If confirmed, Han would become South Korea's second female prime minister in history. The only previous woman to hold the post was Han Myeong-sook, who served from 2006 to 2007.
Why is Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stepping down?
Kim Min-seok is reportedly leaving the prime ministerial post to run for the leadership of the ruling Democratic Party at its convention expected in August or September 2025. The presidential office praised his service and credited him with the government's policy outcomes over the past year.
What will Han Seong-sook's confirmation process involve?
Her nomination must be approved by the National Assembly through a parliamentary confirmation hearing. The Prime Minister's Office has already formed a preparatory team to help Han ready for the process, according to reports.
What is President Lee Jae Myung's policy focus for his second year?
Lee is scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday to mark one year in office and outline his second-year policy vision. Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik cited AI transition and broad-based economic growth as central priorities, themes reflected in Han's nomination.
