New prime minister regrets startup data breach, vows to build stronger startup ecosystem

Newly appointed Prime Minister Han Seong-sook said Tuesday she feels deep regret over the personal data breach involving Modoo's Chanup, a government-backed startup platform.

Han sent a farewell message to colleagues at the Ministry of SMEs and Startups through the ministry's internal email system that day, under the subject line "To my fellow MSS colleagues who walked this path with me."

"I will work to gather every capability and resource available to provide more opportunities and experiences for those who dare to start a business, and to build a startup ecosystem that helps them get back on their feet," Han said.

Reflecting on her year at the ministry, Han said, "It may have been a short time, but for me it was heavier and more intense than any other period in my life." She added that it had been "a great honor to think, run and work together for the self-employed and small and medium-sized venture enterprises that are the roots of our economy."

"Every day was a time of learning and a new challenge," Han said. "I visited the field more than 150 times, trying to see, hear and learn firsthand."

Han cited a record-breaking venture fund formation, the Korea Grand Festival, a whistleblower system to eradicate technology theft, and Modoo's Chanup among the initiatives she said represented new attempts and meaningful change during her tenure.

Han said the reality facing small business owners and small and medium-sized enterprises remains difficult. "Many challenges remain that we must solve together — the AI transformation, strengthening the growth foundation for regional SMEs, and building a social safety net for the self-employed," she said.

Han said the time spent thinking, learning and walking together "will serve as an important milestone on the path I will take." She added, "I believe the challenge for small business owners and small and medium-sized venture enterprises will continue. I will always be cheering you on."