Seoul, June 23: Han Seong-sook, the nominated candidate for Prime Minister of South Korea, has sold three of her properties, leaving her with just one home. Her office announced this decision on Tuesday as she prepares for parliamentary confirmation hearings. The ownership of multiple homes has been a significant point of criticism from the opposition.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Han, who was the former CEO of the major online portal company Naver before joining the government last year, previously owned three homes in Seoul and one in Gyeonggi Province.
The opposition has accused her of contradicting President Lee Jae-myung’s criticisms of multiple property ownership and real estate speculation.
Currently, Han owns only one property located in the central area of Samcheong-dong in Seoul. Her office stated, “Prime Minister nominee Han Seong-sook believes that as a senior government official, she has a significant responsibility and will play a leading role in implementing the government’s real estate policy.”
Han’s confirmation hearings are scheduled for Thursday and Friday. Her appointment is expected to be approved, as the ruling Democratic Party holds a majority in the National Assembly.
Recently, the President nominated her for this position, designating her as the successor to outgoing Prime Minister Kim Min-sook. Han, an expert in information technology, previously served as the Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises and Startups in Lee’s government.
After her nomination, Han stated that if appointed to the country’s second-highest constitutional position, she would focus on improving the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
She told reporters, “If I am entrusted with the important responsibility of Prime Minister, I will dedicate all my energy to resolving urgent issues related to people’s livelihoods.”
During a press conference marking his first year in office, President Lee explained that he chose Han over a professional politician because she is well-suited for practical work, while the ruling party can handle political aspects.
At 59, Han began her career as a journalist at a local computer magazine after graduating from Sookmyung Women’s University in 1989. In 1997, she joined the web search engine and portal company Empas as one of its founding members. Nearly a decade later, she became part of NHN, which laid the foundation for the major internet company Naver. Han’s efforts have contributed to Naver becoming South Korea’s leading internet platform.
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