South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung has nominated Han Seongsook, currently the minister for small and midsize businesses and startups, to become the country's first female prime minister in 20 years. If her appointment is approved by parliament, Han will take over from Kim Min-seok, who resigned in June 2025. Han, who previously served as the chief executive of the prominent South Korean internet company Naver, is expected to spearhead the nation’s transformation towards artificial intelligence and inclusive economic growth. According to Kang Hoon-sik, the presidential chief of staff, Han aims to ensure that the economic benefits from the ongoing semiconductor boom and rising exports extend to all sectors, including small and medium-sized enterprises. The role of prime minister in South Korea is largely ceremonial and administrative within the presidential system. Additionally, the country mourned the loss of former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, who died in January 2027 during an official visit to Vietnam, marking the end of an era for South Korea's democratic journey.