Han Sung-sook, the former CEO of Naver, has been appointed as South Korea’s new Minister of SMEs and Startups. She is the first person from the private tech sector to hold this position, bringing extensive experience from her time leading Naver through its golden era.
Upon her appointment, Minister Han outlined a strategic vision focused on recovery and growth, driven by technology and innovation. She plans to accelerate digital and AI transformation—which she calls a matter of survival for small businesses—supported by a new Smart Manufacturing Industry Innovation Act. Her other key priorities include making South Korea a top-four global venture powerhouse by expanding private investment and strengthening social safety nets through improved disaster recovery, insurance, and debt relief for small business owners.
Han also emphasized a cultural shift within the ministry, promising to treat business owners as partners, not policy targets to ensure that support is practical and user-focused.
