Democratic Party Sejong Branch Urges People Power Party Not to Use Ministry Relocation as Political Tool

"Political Maneuvering Without Policy Coordination Even Within the Same Party"

Amid ongoing controversy over the potential relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries from Sejong to Busan, the Sejong City branch of the Democratic Party of Korea issued a statement criticizing the People Power Party's metropolitan mayors for allegedly fueling regional conflict.

Park Hyungjoon, the mayor of Busan from the People Power Party, has been pushing for the ministry's relocation to Busan and is expediting various administrative measures. Meanwhile, Sejong Mayor Choi Minho, Daejeon Mayor Lee Jangwoo, and South Chungcheong Province Governor Kim Taeheum, all from the same party, are clashing with Park as they argue for the ministry to remain in Sejong.

The Sejong branch stated, "Prioritizing local interests over the greater cause of balanced national development and strengthening the administrative functions of the capital is an irresponsible political act," adding, "The People Power Party is destabilizing government policy through political maneuvering, failing to coordinate policy directions even within its own ranks."

The branch further emphasized, "The issue of relocating the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is not simply about the location of a government agency. It is directly related to Sejong's function as the administrative capital and the efficient operation of the national system, and therefore requires a cautious approach."