South Korea

Worldwide Guide to Women in Leadership
Republic of South-Korea/ Daehanminkuk (Female suffrage 1948) The Former Kingdom of Korea became a Japanese Colony in 1910. In 1945 it was occupied by the American and became independent in 1948

1948 Minister of Trade and Industry Yim Yong-shin (Louise Yim)
In 1949 first female MP, 1952 Founding Chairperson of Women's Party and in 1954 she was vice-Presidential candidate

1952-54 Minister without Portfolio Park Hyun-sook
One of the first 4 women of the 45 member South Korean Legislative Assembly and two times member of the National Assembly

1988 Minister of the Second Ministry of Political Affairs Cho Kyung-hee
1989-90 Secretary of State for Political Affairs

1995-97 Second Minister of State for Political Affairs Kim Jong-sook
From 1997 Chairperson of the Committee of the Women’s Affairs and Member of the Presidium of the National Assembly

1998-99 Chairperson of the Special Presidential Commission on Women’s Affairs Yun Ho-chung

1999 Minister of Environment Park Sun-sook
1999-2002 Presidential Secretary for Public Relations Affairs
2002-02 Senior Presidential Secretary for Publicity Affairs and Spokesperson
She was Vice-Spokesperson of the President, The Blue House, 1998-99. (b. 1960-)

1999-2000 Minister of Culture and Tourism Pak Chi-won (or Jie-won)
2001-02 Senior Presidential Secretary for Policy and Planning

1999-2003 Minister of Environment Kim Myong-ja
Her name is also transcribed as Myung-cha, and she had previously been considered for the post of minister of construction and transportation, to initiate environment-friendly development projects. (b. 1944-).

2001-03 Minister of Gender Equality and Family Han Myung-sook
2003-04 Minister of Environment
2006-07 Prime Minister
During the years of the military dictatorship, she started her career as a social activist in the South Korea Christian Academy and was a political prisoner 1979-81. Master in Christian Theology and Women's Studies and B.A. in French. MP from 2000. Minister of Gender Equality 2001-03 and Minister of Environment 2003-04 She resigned to run as candidate in the Uri-party internal primaries but soon after the party merged with other parties into the United New Democratic Party, which chose a male presidential candidate. (b. 1944-).

2001- Vice-Minister of Labour Kim Son-ja well
She was the country's first female vice-minister.

2002 Acting Prime Minister Chang Sang (11.-31.07)
She was appointed Acting Prime Minister upon her designation which was vetoed by the Parliament at 30.07. She has been President of Ewha Women's University since 1996, and a consultant on Korean reunification. (b. 1939-).

2003-04 Minister of Justice Kang Kum-sil
Former Human rights activist and judge. Candidate for the post of Mayor of Seul in the May elections. (b. 1957-).

2003-05 Minister of Gender Equality and Family Ji Eun-hee
An active participant in the drive to ensure compensation for the women forced to serve as sex slaves for Japanese military during World War II. (b. 1947-).

2003-04 Minister of Health and Welfare Kim Hwa-joong
President of the Korean Nurses Association, until she obtained a seat at the National Assembly in 2000 Millennium Democratic Party. (b. 1945-).

2005-08 Minister of Gender Equality and Family Jang Ha-jin
University Lecturer (b. 1952-).

2005-08 Minister of Legislation Kim Sun-wook
University Lecturer and Government Advisor on Legal Affairs (b. 1952-).

President of Sookmyung Women's University, she was in charge of the preperation of the take-over of the new president in February 2008. She was mentioned by the press as a likely Prime Minister or Education Minister.

2008- Designate Minister of Environment Park Eun-kyung
Head of the YMCA, Young Women's Christian Association of Korea. (b. 1946-)

2008- Designate Minister without Portfolio Nam Joo-hong

2008 Designate Minister of Equality Affairs and Family Lee Chun-ho
Withdrew from the nomination after allegations that she had been involved in illegal real estate sepeculation.