Han Seong-sook: From Tech CEO to Prime Minister of South Korea
Han Seong-sook is a trailblazing South Korean businesswoman and politician who currently serves as the Prime Minister of South Korea. Appointed in 2026, she represents a significant shift in the nation's leadership, being the first business executive to hold the office and only the second woman to do so in the country's history.
Her journey to the premiership is marked by a distinguished career in the technology sector, where she broke through the glass ceiling at one of Asia's largest internet companies before transitioning into public service.
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Key Facts
- Current Role: 50th Prime Minister of South Korea (Assumed office July 1, 2026).
- Historic Milestone: Second woman to serve as Prime Minister, following Han Myeong-sook.
- Corporate Legacy: Former CEO of Naver Corporation (2017–2021).
- Previous Government Role: Minister of SMEs and Startups (July 2025 – June 2026).
- Education: BA in English Literature from Sookmyung Women's University.
Early Life and Educational Foundation
Born on June 20, 1967, in Gyeonggi Province, Han Seong-sook pursued her higher education at Sookmyung Women's University. She graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, providing her with the linguistic and analytical foundation that would support her later career in communications and global business.
Professional Career in Technology and Business
Early Journalism and PR
Han began her professional life in 1989 as a reporter for Mincom, later moving to PC Line. By 1995, she transitioned into corporate communications, leading public relations for Nanum Technology.
The Rise at Naver
In 1997, Han became a founding member of Empas, a search engine that gained immense popularity in South Korea during the early 2000s. Following the sale of Empas to SK Communications in 2007, she joined NHN Corporation (the original incarnation of Naver) in various executive capacities.
In 2017, Han was appointed as the CEO of Naver Corporation, becoming the first woman to lead the company. During her tenure, she oversaw the development of key services including Naver Pay and V Live, and managed the strategic acquisition of the storytelling platform Wattpad.
Han stepped down as CEO in 2021 following a tragedy involving a Naver employee and allegations of workplace bullying. Following her departure from the CEO role, she continued to contribute to the company by leading Naver's business expansion efforts in Europe.
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Transition to Political Leadership
Minister of SMEs and Startups
Han entered the political arena under the administration of President Lee Jae Myung, serving as the Minister of SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) and Startups from July 23, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
Appointment as Prime Minister
On June 7, 2026, President Lee Jae Myung nominated Han to succeed Kim Min-seok as Prime Minister. After a two-day confirmation hearing on June 25 and 26, the National Assembly confirmed her appointment on June 30, 2026, with 166 votes in favor. She officially assumed office on July 1, 2026.
Her appointment is historic not only for her gender—marking the first female Prime Minister in 20 years—but also for her background as a corporate executive, bringing private-sector expertise to the highest levels of government administration.
Summary of Career and Achievements
| Period | Role/Organization | Key Achievement/Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Reporter, Mincom | Entry into professional journalism |
| 1997 | Founding Member, Empas | Led search business for popular engine |
| 2017–2021 | CEO, Naver Corporation | First female CEO; launched Naver Pay |
| 2025–2026 | Minister of SMEs and Startups | Transition to government service |
| 2026–Present | Prime Minister of South Korea | 50th PM; second woman in the role |
Recognition
Han's influence in the global business community has been widely recognized. Between 2017 and 2021, Fortune included her on its "Most Powerful Women International" list. Additionally, Forbes recognized her in 2018 as one of "The Emergent 25 Asia's Latest Star Businesswomen."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Han Seong-sook?
Han Seong-sook is a South Korean politician and former business executive who has served as the Prime Minister of South Korea since July 1, 2026.
What is Han Seong-sook's corporate background?
She is most notably the former CEO of Naver Corporation (2017–2021), where she was the first woman to lead the company and oversaw the launch of Naver Pay and the acquisition of Wattpad.
Why is her appointment as Prime Minister historic?
She is the first business executive to become Prime Minister and the second woman to hold the position, following Han Myeong-sook who served from 2006 to 2007.
What role did she hold before becoming Prime Minister?
Immediately prior to her appointment as Prime Minister, she served as the Minister of SMEs and Startups from July 2025 to June 2026.
Where did Han Seong-sook study?
She earned her Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Sookmyung Women's University in 1989.