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[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] Analysis suggests that the background of Han Duck-soo, the nominee for Prime Minister (73), being an expert in economics and trade as well as being from the Honam region, had a significant influence on his selection.

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol nominated former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as the new Prime Minister candidate on the 3rd at a press conference held at the Presidential Transition Committee in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. With this nomination as the first Prime Minister candidate of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, Han returns to the position after about 15 years. He previously served as Prime Minister during the Roh Moo-hyun administration in 2007.

The Yoon Suk-yeol transition team prioritized finding a candidate capable of encompassing both 'economy' and 'security' when selecting the new Prime Minister. Rather than focusing solely on economic expertise, they sought leadership that could cover both pillars of state affairs, including security. Han is evaluated as the person who possesses these qualities comprehensively. On the same day, President-elect Yoon emphasized, "The new government must lay the foundation for the re-leap of our economy amid a severe domestic and international environment, and thoroughly prepare for the 'economic security era' where economy and security are united."

Han, who passed the 8th Administrative Examination in 1970, has held positions such as Presidential Secretary for Trade and Industry, Commissioner of the Korean Intellectual Property Office, Vice Minister of Trade and Industry, Senior Secretary for Economic Affairs to the President, Director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, and Minister of Finance and Economy. His credentials as an 'economic expert' are well verified. In the field of 'trade,' he also has experience as the inaugural Chief Negotiator for Trade during the Kim Dae-jung administration and served as chairman of the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Support Committee during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, successfully concluding negotiations. Under the Lee Myung-bak administration, he served as Ambassador to the United States. He is regarded as a suitable candidate in the security sector, which emphasizes strengthening the 'Korea-US alliance' and 'trade' under the Yoon Suk-yeol government.

Han, who hails from Jeonju, Jeonbuk, also aligns with the value of 'integration.' Especially, the upcoming minority government situation that the Yoon Suk-yeol administration will face likely influenced Han's selection. Since Han has already passed the parliamentary confirmation process as a Prime Minister candidate in 2007, there should be no major difficulties in the confirmation hearings under a minority government. Moreover, as a senior official who has held key positions such as Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Prime Minister during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, Han is a favorable choice to gain the consent of the major opposition party, the Democratic Party of Korea.

On the day, Han stated, "Given the very severe domestic and international economic and geopolitical conditions surrounding the Republic of Korea, I feel a very heavy and great responsibility," adding, "I will strive to create policies that can be realized under President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol," and emphasized, "I will devote myself to succeeding together with the executive branch, the legislature, and the people."