Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung is in the final stage of selecting a new prime minister, with presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik and two incumbent ministers currently being considered, sources revealed Thursday. This decision follows the expected resignation of current Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who may be eyeing a leadership position in the ruling Democratic Party's upcoming convention.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the likely candidates for the prime ministerial position include Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho and Han Seong-sook, the minister of small and medium-sized enterprises. President Lee is anticipated to announce his nominee as soon as this week, replacing Kim Min-seok if the appointment proceeds as expected.
Kang Hoon-sik, who has been serving as Lee's chief of staff since his inauguration last year, is also the president's special envoy for strategic economic cooperation. He is deeply familiar with Lee's diplomatic and economic policies, positioning him as a strong candidate for the prime ministerial role.
Justice Minister Jung has played a pivotal role in the prosecutorial reform efforts under the Lee administration. Her five-term experience as a lawmaker adds to her credentials in the ongoing selection process.
Han Seong-sook, a former CEO of the online portal giant Naver, would make history as the Lee government's first female prime minister if appointed. She would also be the second female prime minister in South Korea since Han Myeong-sook's tenure from 2006 to 2007. The selection of this key position remains a focal point in South Korea's political landscape, drawing significant attention as President Lee finalizes his decision.