# Han Seong-sook nominated to lead South Korea's AI transformation > Source: > Published: 2026-06-30 07:42:04+00:00 Industry context: For AI practitioners, a national executive nominee with a technology and startup background usually accelerates policy attention, procurement, and public-private coordination around AI adoption and workforce programs. President Lee Jae Myung nominated **Han Seong-sook**, currently minister of SMEs and startups, as prime minister nominee, according to Bloomberg and UPI. Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said the choice reflects Han's IT and SME experience and described her as suited to lead an "AI transformation," per UPI and The Korea Herald. Reporting by The Korea Herald and Korea JoongAng notes Han previously led an IT company and served as a Naver executive. If confirmed by the National Assembly, Han would be the country's second female prime minister and first in nearly 20 years, The Korea Herald reports. Local business and venture groups welcomed the nomination, according to Chosunbiz and KBIZ statements reported by local outlets.