South Korea has nominated Han Seong-sook as its next Prime Minister, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape. The nomination was announced on June 7, 2026, and now awaits approval from the 300-member National Assembly.
Han Seong-sook, currently serving as the Minister for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Startups, is a well-known figure in both government and business circles. Before entering politics, she served as the chief executive of Naver, one of South Korea’s leading internet companies.
If confirmed, Han would become the first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister in nearly two decades and only the second woman in South Korean history to occupy the position, following Han Myeong-sook, who served from 2006 to 2007.
Under South Korea’s Constitution, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President and must receive confirmation from the National Assembly. The nomination comes amid political changes following the recent local elections, in which President Lee Jae Myung’s party secured a strong victory.
Han Seong-sook’s nomination is being viewed as an important step toward greater female representation in South Korean leadership and reflects the country’s evolving political and social landscape
