AI-focused PM nominee faces confirmation hearing

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung nominated Han Seong-sook, 59, as prime minister on June 7, 2026, citing her technology background to lead the country's artificial intelligence transformation agenda. Per Korea Times, Han is now scheduled to face a two-day National Assembly confirmation hearing next week. Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik framed the selection around Han's ability to lead Korea's AI transition with the goal of "shared growth of all Koreans," per Korea Herald.

Han worked at Naver from 2007 to 2025, serving as the company's CEO from 2017 to 2022 - the first woman to hold that role. She joined the Lee administration in July 2025 as Minister of SMEs and Startups, becoming the first minister of that portfolio under the liberal Lee administration, per Korea Herald. During her term, the ministry led data-driven projects to reduce administrative paperwork using over 8 million SME data points.

Han stated on June 8: "I will spur the country's AI transformation and focus on accelerating innovation, amid industrial restructuring accelerated by AI and a complex global crisis." Her stated goal, per Korea Herald, is "a structural transformation where the fruits of AI transformation lead to shared opportunities and growth for all people."

If her appointment is confirmed following the National Assembly special committee hearing and parliamentary approval, Han would become South Korea's first female prime minister in 20 years, succeeding Kim Min-seok, who offered to resign the post, per Korea Herald.

Per Korea Herald and Seoul Economic Daily, the hearing will also examine Han's mandatory asset declaration - 22.3 billion won in total assets including four homes in Seoul, though reports indicate she has been in the process of selling all but one property since the March disclosure. Alleged gift tax evasion - having her mother live in a Han-owned home rent-free - and a Seongnam FC sponsorship issue are expected to draw lawmaker scrutiny alongside her policy record.

The confirmation outcome will shape South Korea's national AI policy direction under President Lee's "AI Transformation and Growth for All" mandate. Practitioners should monitor whether Han's confirmed agenda translates into concrete regulatory posture, government procurement priorities or public-sector AI deployment programs in one of Asia's most tech-intensive economies.