Women's business federation speaks for 3.37 million female-led firms
Former Naver CEO, SME minister credentials praised
Groups call for inclusive leadership on AI, livelihoods
Women's business groups have welcomed the appointment of Han Sung-sook as the new prime minister, saying her rise to the top of government marks a positive turning point for diversity and female leadership across industry.
The Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association said in a statement Tuesday that it "sincerely welcomes the appointment of Han Sung-sook as prime minister — the first person with a background as a female entrepreneur in constitutional history — on behalf of 3.37 million women-owned businesses."
President Lee Jae Myung approved Han's appointment on Monday. Han took office Tuesday as the 50th prime minister of South Korea — the first woman to hold the post since former Prime Minister Han Myeong-sook in 2006, a gap of 20 years.
The association said Han brings together private-sector innovation and public-service experience, having served as chief executive of Naver, one of South Korea's leading IT companies, and as minister of SMEs and Startups. It cited her "Project Flower" initiative during her time at Naver as an example of her commitment to shared growth with small business owners.
The group also highlighted her policy record as SME minister. "Through swift and decisive policymaking, she delivered tangible results — achieving record-high exports for small and medium-sized enterprises and revitalizing the startup ecosystem — demonstrating her command of both the real economy and public policy," the association said.
The association said Han's appointment reflects the governing philosophy of the Lee Jae Myung administration. "It is highly significant in that it embodies the administration's commitment to enhancing economic dynamism and social diversity," it said.
It added that it "highly commends the government's bold decision to place talented women at the forefront, with competence as the top priority," and expressed hope that the appointment would "serve as a catalyst for more women leaders to grow into central players across all sectors of industry."
The association also pointed to AI transformation and livelihood stability as key national priorities. "We expect Prime Minister Han to exercise inclusive leadership in overcoming the economic crisis through AI transformation and livelihood stability," it said, "and we will actively cooperate as a steadfast partner of the government."
hong@heraldcorp.com
