South Korea Names First Woman Prime Minister in 20 Years
June 2026 | By Azad News
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has nominated Han Seong-sook as the country’s next prime minister, marking a historic political development.
Han currently serves as the Minister for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Startups and is expected to take on the role following parliamentary approval.
If confirmed, she will become only the second woman in South Korea’s history to hold the prime minister’s office.
The nomination follows recent local elections in which the ruling party performed strongly, despite losing the high-profile Seoul mayoral race to the opposition.
Authorities also faced controversy over ballot shortages at multiple polling stations, which led to scrutiny of the national election process.
Presidential officials stated that Han was selected due to her experience in economic policy and innovation during a period of global technological transformation.
Her appointment still requires approval from the National Assembly, where the ruling party holds a majority, making confirmation highly likely.
If approved, Han will follow former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook, who served from 2006 to 2007 as South Korea’s first female prime minister.
Outgoing Prime Minister Kim Min-seok is reportedly preparing for a potential leadership bid within the ruling Democratic Party.
Conclusion
The nomination of Han Seong-sook marks a significant moment in South Korean politics, reflecting both continuity and change within the country’s leadership landscape.
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