Han Seong-sook

Han Seong-sook (; born 20 June 1967) is a South Korean businesswoman and politician who has served as the prime minister of South Korea since 2026. She was previously the chief executive officer (CEO) of Naver Corporation from 2017 to 2021 and served as the minister of SMEs and startups from 2025 to 2026. She is the first woman to hold the position since Han Myeong-sook in 2006, 20 years ago.

Early life and education Han Seong-sook was born on 20 June 1967 in Gyeonggi Province. She received a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Sookmyung Women's University in 1989.

Career

Early career In 1989, Han began working as a reporter at Mincom. She later reported for PC Line. In 1995, she led public relations for Nanum Technology. After Empas was sold to SK Communications in 2007, Han began to serve in executive roles at Naver under its original incarnation as NHN Corporation. became CEO of Naver Corporation after Kim Sang-hun stepped down from the role. As the company's first female CEO, Han lead the development of Naver Pay and V Live and Naver's acquisition of Wattpad.

In 2021, Han stepped down as CEO after a Naver employee committed suicide, citing workplace bullying as the motive, and was replaced by Choi Soo-yeon. Han later led Naver's expansion in Europe.

Premiership (2026–present)

Appointment On 7 June 2026, President Lee Jae Myung nominated Han to succeed Kim Min-seok as Prime Minister. Preparation for her confirmation hearing began on 8 June. The two-day confirmation hearing was held on 25 and 26 June.

On 30 June 2026, Han was confirmed as prime minister by the National Assembly, with 166 votes in favor and one invalid vote. The People Power Party boycotted the vote. She became the second female prime minister in South Korean history, following Han Myeong-sook, who served as Prime Minister from 2006 to 2007. She is also the first business executive to assume the position of prime minister. Her term as prime minister began on 1 July 2026, following the approval of National Assembly's appointment by President Lee.

Tenure Since taking office on 1 July 2026, Han has focused her tenure on making AI transformation a central government priority, expanding AI-based government systems and increasing the use of public data for AI development. She has also pushed for greater investment in AI and advanced industries, while seeking to remove regulations that could hinder technological innovation.

Han has additionally prioritized economic stability and inflation control, directing the government to closely monitor prices of essential goods and respond to pressures from high oil prices, a weaker won and rising consumer costs. Recognition From 2017 to 2021, Fortune included Han on its "Most Powerful Women International" list.