SEOUL, July 24 (AJP) - Han Seong-sook, the former CEO of Naver and one of South Korea’s most prominent tech executives, is set to lead the Ministry of SMEs and Startups.
Her appointment marks a decisive shift toward digital transformation in the country’s small business policy.
Best known for steering Naver from 2017 to 2022 and being named to Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women International” list for four consecutive years, Han brings deep experience in platform innovation and digital commerce.
During her tenure, she championed small merchants through initiatives such as “Project Flower,” a 600 billion won (approximately $430 million) program aimed at helping small businesses thrive in the digital economy.
That record ultimately helped win support across party lines despite initial concerns about her limited exposure to traditional small business sectors.
The National Assembly’s Committee on Industry, Trade, Energy, SMEs, and Startups formally adopted Han’s confirmation hearing report in a full session on July 23, just over a week after her July 15 hearing.
The presidential office praised her “deep understanding and extensive experience,” citing her private-sector background as a strength in reshaping small business policy for a rapidly changing economic environment.
In outlining her policy vision, Han identified five strategic goals: strengthening safety nets for small businesses, accelerating AI adoption among SMEs, advancing the startup and venture ecosystem, enforcing fair market practices, and revitalizing regional economies.
“Digital transformation is no longer optional — it’s a matter of survival,” she said. “We must take bold, structural steps to ensure small businesses can compete and grow in this new era.”
With Deputy Minister Noh Yong-seok recently installed and Han’s appointment now imminent, the administration’s SME leadership is coming into focus — one that signals a clear pivot toward tech-driven growth and modernization for South Korea’s small and mid-sized enterprises.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
View more comments