Park Jiwon Recommends Shin Woochul, Head of Wando County, as Minister of Oceans and Fisheries

"The Right Person with Extensive Experience and Expertise"

It has been confirmed that Democratic Party lawmaker Park Jiwon (representing Haenam, Wando, and Jindo in South Jeolla Province) has recommended Shin Woochul, the head of Wando County in South Jeolla, as the first Minister of Oceans and Fisheries in the Lee Jaemyung administration.

On June 9, Park stated in a phone interview with Asia Economy, "It is true that I recommended Shin Woochul, the head of Wando County, for the position of Minister of Oceans and Fisheries." He explained, "If the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is relocated to Busan, I judged that it would be necessary from the perspective of regional balance, considering that there has never been a minister from the Honam region."

Democratic Party Park Jiwon

He continued, "The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is a very large ministry focused on the ocean, and South Jeolla is a key region, accounting for 70% of the nation's aquaculture industry." He added, "Expertise is essential for the development of the fisheries industry, and I recommended Shin because I believe he is the right person with extensive experience in the fields of oceans and fisheries." However, Park also emphasized, "Even if I make a recommendation, it is ultimately up to the president to make a decision through a personnel review," and "The final decision rests with the appointing authority."

In response, Shin Woochul stated, "This is a time when fisheries experts are needed to promote new ocean policies, such as blue carbon, in response to climate change." He said, "I understand that Representative Park Jiwon recommended me with these points in mind."

Shin also commented, "Recently, thanks to the K-Hallyu wave, K-Seafood is gaining global attention," and "A professional approach is necessary to develop the fisheries industry as a future industry in connection with biotechnology." He continued, "I do not know if I will be given the opportunity, but right now is a very important time for regional development and for the Korean fisheries industry to take a further leap forward." He added, "It seems that local residents have high expectations, as this is a crucial moment for both regional development and the advancement of the fisheries industry."

Meanwhile, Shin Woochul previously served as the first head of the South Jeolla Provincial Institute of Oceans and Fisheries Science, and since 2014, has achieved three consecutive terms as the head of Wando County. He is regarded as a rare fisheries expert among local government leaders.