The Blue House announced on June 7 that President Lee Jae Myung had nominated SMEs and Startups Minister Han Seong-sook as the new prime minister candidate. The photo shows Lee speaking with Han during a meeting with small and medium-sized business leaders in March. [YONHAP]
President Lee Jae Myung, entering the second year of his presidency, on Sunday nominated SMEs and Startups Minister Han Seong-sook as his new prime minister candidate. The surprise announcement came ahead of his first-anniversary news conference and a European trip scheduled for Tuesday to June 18, signaling that the administration intends to maintain its focus on governance and economic performance.
Han’s rise from an office worker to the head of a major technology company and then a Cabinet minister made her a notable choice. If confirmed, she would become Korea’s second female prime minister. Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik said the nomination reflected the administration’s emphasis on ability and competence. Lee linked the appointment to his goals of advancing an AI-driven transformation and promoting broader economic growth.
By selecting a figure from the technology sector rather than a career politician, Lee appears to be emphasizing practical governance and economic issues.
