Seoul: Han Seong-sook, a renowned figure in South Korea's information technology sector, has been nominated as the minister for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups. Han, who has made significant contributions to the country's internet portal industry, is recognized for her leadership and innovative approach.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Han's career began as a reporter at a local computer journal after she graduated from Sookmyung Women's University in 1989. She joined Empas in 1997, a local web search engine and web portal, as a founding member. Her career took a pivotal turn a decade later when she moved to NHN, a predecessor of the online portal giant Naver Corp., where she played a crucial role in elevating the company to become South Korea's leading internet platform.
In 2017, Han made history by becoming the first female CEO of Naver. During her five-year leadership period, she spearheaded the company's expansion into short-form content and mobile payment services. Under her guidance, Naver achieved a record high of 6 trillion won (approximately US$4.34 billion) in sales in 2020. Her influence and impact were recognized globally, as she was named one of Fortune Magazine's 50 Most Powerful Women in the World from 2017 to 2020.
After stepping down as CEO, Han continued her association with Naver, first as the head of its European business and subsequently as a company adviser. Her extensive experience and proven track record in the IT sector are expected to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to South Korea's SME and startup landscape.