Venture Business Community: "Han Seong

The venture business community has expressed its welcome regarding the nomination of Han Seong-sook, Minister of SMEs and Startups, as the next Prime Minister candidate.

Last year, President Lee is seen posing for a commemorative photo after presenting a certificate of appointment to Minister Han. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

On June 7, the Korea Venture Business Association issued an official statement, saying, "Candidate Han is a practical leader who understands on-the-ground private innovation better than anyone and has led the country's digital transformation and technological innovation." The association added, "Her hands-on experience accumulated at Empas and Naver, as well as her strong policy drive as Minister of SMEs and Startups, make this appointment especially meaningful at a time when we must lead innovation in the age of artificial intelligence (AI)."

The association continued, "While leading the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, she shifted the policy focus from 'protection' to 'growth,' achieved meaningful results by expanding venture investment and the foundation for entrepreneurship, and revitalized regional startups." The statement further noted, "The record-high formation of venture funds, the recovery in investment, and initiatives such as the 'Startup for All Project' are all highly commendable achievements."

The association also called for continued policy support to invigorate the venture ecosystem following her appointment as Prime Minister. The Korea Venture Business Association stated, "The future growth engine of the Republic of Korea ultimately lies in ventures and startups that create new technologies, new markets, and new jobs. We hope that the challenges facing the entire venture ecosystem—including AI transformation, digital innovation, global expansion, revitalization of regional startups, and enhanced support for second-chance entrepreneurship—will be elevated to national priorities and further expanded with greater momentum."

They added, "Even now, urgent issues in the venture field include regulatory reform, expansion of venture investment and normalization of the KOSDAQ, and revitalization of regional venture ecosystems. We hope she will play a central role in boldly improving outdated systems and creating an environment where private sector challenges are properly rewarded."

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