Han Seong-sook Nominated as Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea

韓成淑獲提名為大韓民國國務總理


Introduction

President Lee Jae Myung has chosen Han Seong-sook, the current Minister of Startups and SMEs, to be the next Prime Minister, replacing Kim Min-seok.

李在明總統已選擇現任中小企業及創業部長韓成淑擔任下一任國務總理,接替金珉錫。

Main Body

The decision to appoint Han Seong-sook is based on her deep experience in the information technology industry, especially her role as CEO of Naver from 2017 to 2022. The presidential office emphasized that her background will help the country move toward artificial intelligence (AI) and encourage economic growth for everyone. Furthermore, Han has proposed a plan to speed up industrial innovation and reduce the social and economic instability caused by global crises and changes in AI technology. During her time at the Ministry of Startups and SMEs, she was known for using data to simplify administration and launching the 'Startup for All' project.

決定任命韓成淑是基於她在資訊科技產業的深厚經驗,特別是她在2017年至2022年期間擔任Naver執行長的角色。總統府強調,她的背景將有助於國家邁向人工智慧(AI),並鼓勵全民經濟成長。此外,韓成淑提出了一項計劃,旨在加速工業創新,並減少由全球危機與AI技術變更所引起的社會與經濟不穩定。在她在中小企業及創業部任職期間,她以利用數據簡化行政程序以及啟動「全民創業」計畫而聞名。

However, despite her professional success, the upcoming parliamentary hearing is expected to be challenging. The National Assembly will likely examine Han's real estate properties in Seoul, which may contradict President Lee's policy against owning multiple homes. Additionally, lawmakers may investigate claims that she avoided paying gift taxes by providing free housing to her mother. Han has stated that she will cooperate fully with the investigation. If she is approved, Han will become the second female Prime Minister in the country's history and the first under the current government.

然而,儘管她在事業上十分成功,但即將到來的國會聽證會預計將充滿挑戰。國會可能會調查韓成淑在首爾的房產,這可能與李總統反對擁有多套房的政策相矛盾。此外,議員可能會調查關於她透過提供免費住房給其母親而規避贈與稅的指控。韓成淑表示她將全力配合調查。如果獲得通過,韓成淑將成為韓國歷史上第二位女性國務總理,也是現任政府下的第一位。

Conclusion

Han Seong-sook is now waiting for the National Assembly's confirmation hearing to decide if she can officially replace Kim Min-seok.

韓成淑目前正等待國會聽證會的結果,以決定她是否能正式接替金珉錫。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The "B2 Power-Up": Moving from Simple to Sophisticated

At the A2 level, you likely say: "She is good at IT and she wants to help the economy." But to reach B2, you need to describe causality and professionalism.

🧩 The Magic of "Based on"

Look at this sentence: "The decision... is based on her deep experience."

Stop using "because" for everything. When a decision, a theory, or an opinion comes from a specific source of evidence, use "based on."

  • A2 Style: I chose this phone because it has good reviews.
  • B2 Style: My choice was based on the positive reviews I read online.

🚀 Precision Verbs (Replacing "Do" and "Make")

Notice how the article avoids boring verbs. It doesn't say she "did" a project; it says she "launched" a project. It doesn't say she "made" things faster; it says she "proposed a plan to speed up" innovation.

Upgrade your vocabulary list:

  • Instead of Make \rightarrow Launch (for projects/products)
  • Instead of Change/Fix \rightarrow Simplify (to make easier)
  • Instead of Help \rightarrow Encourage (to give support/confidence)

⚖️ The "Contrast Bridge": However & Despite

B2 speakers don't just list facts; they connect opposing ideas.

"However, despite her professional success, the upcoming parliamentary hearing is expected to be challenging."

The Logic:

  1. However: Used at the start of a sentence to signal a 180-degree turn in the story.
  2. Despite [Noun]: Used to show that one thing didn't stop another thing from happening.

Try this logic:

  • Despite the rain, we went for a walk. (The rain didn't stop us).
  • Despite his age, he is very active. (The age didn't stop the activity).

🛠 Quick Reference Table

A2 WordB2 AlternativeContext from Article
Many/BigDeepDeep experience
FastSpeed upSpeed up industrial innovation
ProblemInstabilityEconomic instability

Vocabulary Learning

nominate (v.)
To officially suggest someone for a position or honor.
Example:The committee decided to nominate her for the position of Prime Minister.
emphasize (v.)
To give special importance or attention to something in speaking or writing.
Example:The manager emphasized the need for better communication within the team.
instability (n.)
A state of being unstable; lack of predictability or reliability.
Example:Economic instability can lead to a decrease in consumer spending.
innovation (n.)
The introduction of new ideas, methods, or products.
Example:Technological innovation is essential for the growth of the startup ecosystem.
contradict (v.)
To say or do something that is opposite to what has been said or done before.
Example:His current actions contradict the promises he made during the campaign.
cooperate (v.)
To work together with someone else to achieve a common goal or follow a request.
Example:The witness agreed to cooperate fully with the police investigation.
confirmation (n.)
The process of verifying or formally approving something.
Example:The appointment is subject to the confirmation hearing by the National Assembly.
Practice B2 words in a crossword