President Lee Jae-myung has nominated Minister Han Sung-sook of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups as the next Prime Minister [1].

The appointment signals a strategic shift toward integrating private-sector technology expertise into the highest levels of government administration. By selecting a former corporate executive, the administration aims to accelerate the nation's digital infrastructure and economic modernization.

Han succeeds Prime Minister Kim Min-seok [1]. During a press briefing at the Blue House, Presidential Secretary-General Kang Hoon-sik said Han is a leader who rose from being an ordinary employee to heading a leading digital company [1].

Kang said Han possesses a combination of private-sector practicality and innovation. He said she understands the necessity of an AI transformation for society better than anyone [1]. The administration intends for Han to lead the country's "AI transition and inclusive growth" based on her previous experience as the CEO of Naver [1].

Outgoing Prime Minister Kim Min-seok addressed his departure through a statement on social media [1]. He said he intends to run in the upcoming party convention and pledged to build a "strong and capable Democratic Party" [1].

This transition marks a pivot from traditional political leadership in the Prime Minister's office toward a technocratic approach. Han's background in the tech industry is expected to be the primary driver for the government's upcoming economic and technological policies [1].

“Han's experience as a former Naver CEO and her knowledge of AI-driven transformation make her suitable to lead the nation’s 'AI transition.'”

The nomination of Han Sung-sook represents a move to prioritize technocracy over political tenure in the Prime Minister's role. By appointing a former Naver CEO, the Lee Jae-myung administration is positioning AI and digital transformation as the central pillars of its national growth strategy, while simultaneously clearing a path for Kim Min-seok to return to party politics and influence the Democratic Party's internal leadership.