Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association: "Minister Hansung-sook Is a Proven Economic Leader... Welcoming Nomination as Prime Minister Candidate"

KWEA: "Han is the Right Leader to Drive the AI Transformation"

The women's business community has announced its support for the nomination of Hansung-sook, Minister of SMEs and Startups and a former female entrepreneur, as candidate for Prime Minister.

Minister Sungsoo Han of the Ministry of SMEs and Startups is speaking at the Emergency Economic Headquarters Meeting and the National Startup Era Strategy Meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on April 24, 2026. Photo by Jo Yongjun

On June 7, the Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association stated, "We wholeheartedly welcome the nomination of Minister Han, a former female entrepreneur, as candidate for Prime Minister," adding, "She is a proven economic leader who served as the head of a leading domestic IT company and, as the first Minister of SMEs and Startups under the Lee Jaemyung administration, has led policies for small and medium-sized enterprises, small business owners, and venture startups."

The association commented that the nominee has bridged the practicality and innovation of the private sector with the government's policy execution, and is the right person to lead in the era of an AI-driven transformation.

The association further explained, "During her tenure as CEO of Naver, she supported the expansion of digital markets for small businesses and creators through 'Project Flower,' and as Minister of SMEs and Startups, she promoted youth entrepreneurship through the 'Startup for All' initiative. Over the past year, she has demonstrated field-oriented leadership by making more than 150 on-site visits and operating the 'Propose Directly to the Minister' program."

The association emphasized, "Korea now faces the challenge of an AI-driven transformation, and Han, with her in-depth understanding of the digital industry and on-the-ground experience with SMEs, is the right leader to drive this change. The nomination of the country's second female Prime Minister candidate in 20 years is also a meaningful milestone for female entrepreneurs."

The association called for national governance that enables women-led companies, SMEs, venture businesses, and small business owners to advance, pledging to collaborate for the growth of all.

The association added, "The women's business community hopes that the nominee will ensure the results of the AI transformation benefit not just a select few, but foster growth for everyone. We look forward to governance that enables women-led companies, SMEs, small business owners, and neighborhood businesses to advance together. The Korea Women Entrepreneurs Association and female entrepreneurs have high expectations for the current administration, and we will actively cooperate to ensure a new leap forward for the Korean economy and shared growth in the AI era."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.