Han Seongsook set to become country’s first female prime minister in 20 years

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung officially nominated Han Seongsook to be the country’s next prime minister on Sunday. While currently serving as the country’s minister for small and medium enterprises, her nomination signaled a historic decision that could make her South Korea’s first female prime minister in 20 years.

Han, who formerly held the role of chief executive of South Korean internet giant Naver, is expected to spearhead the nation’s AI evolution, according to details revealed by South Korea’s presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik at a press briefing.

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In this regard Kang said: “Han will be able to transform South Korea’s economic growth driven by the semiconductor boom and rising exports into inclusive growth that reaches everyone, including small and medium-sized enterprises.”

The recent nomination comes after Lee’s party dominated local elections on Wednesday. It is due to the fact that the Democratic Party lost the high-profile Seoul mayor race against the opposition. 

The elections also triggered controversy over ballot shortages that affect 50 polling stations nationwide which ultimately results in forcing the head of the state election watchdog to step down. It is pertinent to mention that Han Myeong-sook earlier served in the same post from 2006 to 2007.