Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung has nominated Han Seong-sook, the current minister of small and medium-sized enterprises, as the next prime minister, a senior presidential official announced Sunday. If confirmed by the National Assembly, Han would become the Lee administration's first female prime minister and South Korea's second female prime minister, following Han Myeong-sook who served from 2006 to 2007.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the current Prime Minister Kim Min-seok is stepping down, reportedly to pursue leadership of the ruling Democratic Party at its upcoming convention. Han, who has a background as a former chief executive of Naver and extensive experience in the internet industry, assumed her current ministerial position with the start of the Lee administration.
Announcing the nomination, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik highlighted Han's capability in leading South Korea's transition to artificial intelligence and fostering growth, drawing from her professional experience. Kang also expressed gratitude for outgoing Prime Minister Kim's service, attributing the government's policy successes to his performance.
This reshuffle coincides with the Lee administration's first anniversary in office, with President Lee set to hold a press conference on Monday to discuss his policy vision for the upcoming year. Reports indicate that the Prime Minister's Office has already established a team to assist Han in preparing for her parliamentary confirmation hearing.