President Lee Jae Myung (L) poses for a photo with SMEs and Startups Minister Han Seong-sook (R) after presenting her with a letter of appointment at the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea. Photo by YONHAP / EPA
June 7 (Asia Today) -- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday nominated Han Seong-sook, the minister of SMEs and startups and a former tech executive, as his next prime minister, saying she is suited to lead the country through an artificial intelligence transformation.
The appointment of Han, who served as the first minister of SMEs and startups under the Lee administration, signals that Lee is prioritizing economic and industrial policy over a more politically oriented choice as he begins his second year in office.
Han would become South Korea's first female prime minister in 20 years if she passes a National Assembly confirmation hearing and receives parliamentary approval. South Korea's last female prime minister was Han Myeong-sook, who served beginning in 2006.
Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik announced the nomination during a briefing at Chunchugwan, the presidential press center.
