Story perspectives

Lee Nominates Ex-Naver CEO Han as Prime Minister

6/8/2026

Summary

Lee Nominates Han

President Lee Jae-myung nominated Han Seong-sook as prime minister.
Han, minister of SMEs and startups and former Naver CEO, is praised for tech experience to guide the AI transition and would become South Korea’s second female prime minister if confirmed.
Outgoing Prime Minister Kim Min-seok is stepping down to run for Democratic Party leadership in August or September.
Han must pass a parliamentary confirmation hearing before assuming the post.

Summary

Lee Nominates Han

President Lee Jae-myung presented Han Seong-sook’s candidacy on June 7, 2026.
The nomination follows the Democratic Party’s local sweep despite its loss in the Seoul mayoral race.
Ballot shortages at 50 polling stations caused the resignation of the state election watchdog chief.
The ruling party’s majority in the 300-member National Assembly lets it confirm Han, who would be second female prime minister after Han Myeong-sook (2006-2007), unless a scandal emerges.

Summary

Lee Appoints Han

The nomination of former Naver CEO Han is framed as a push to accelerate South Korea’s AI-driven growth.
Lee’s team says a surge in global AI demand has already lifted South Korean chip exports and raised stock market indices since the president took office.
Naver’s AI platform, covering search, payments, cloud and content, challenges foreign rivals and signals the government’s intent to tie AI policy closely to private-sector innovation.

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Lee Nominates Han

President Lee Jae-myung nominated Han Seong-sook as prime minister.
Han, minister of SMEs and startups and former Naver CEO, is praised for tech experience to guide the AI transition and would become South Korea’s second female prime minister if confirmed.
Outgoing Prime Minister Kim Min-seok is stepping down to run for Democratic Party leadership in August or September.
Han must pass a parliamentary confirmation hearing before assuming the post.

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