▲ This image, provided by the presidential office on June 7, 2026, shows Han Seong-sook, the incumbent minister of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), tapped as the next prime minister. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

(profile) PM-nominee

(profile) IT pioneer Han tapped as next prime minister

SEOUL, June 7 (Yonhap) -- Han Seong-sook, the incumbent minister of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tapped Sunday to become South Korea's new prime minister, is a prominent figure in the country's information technology sector, widely credited for her role in shaping the country's internet portal industry through her leadership at Naver Corp.

Han, 59, began her career as a reporter at a local computer journal after graduating from Sookmyung Women's University in 1989.

In 1997, she joined Empas, a local web search engine and web portal, as a founding member.

A decade later, she moved to NHN, a predecessor of online portal giant Naver, where she played a leading role in transforming the company into South Korea's top internet platform.

In 2017, Han was appointed the chief executive officer (CEO) of Naver, becoming the company's first female leader.

She was named one of Fortune Magazine's 50 Most Powerful Women in the World from 2017 to 2020.

Following her resignation as CEO, Han continued to serve as head of Naver's European business and later as a company adviser.

During her one year leading the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, Han led initiatives, such as "Startup for All," aimed at supporting youth entrepreneurship, and was credited with strengthening support programs for small businesses and self-employed workers.

If confirmed by the National Assembly, Han would become the Lee Jae Myung government's first female prime minister and South Korea's second female prime minister since Han Myeong-sook, who served in the post from 2006-2007.

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