Minister Nominee Jeon Jae Su: "Relocation of Oceans Ministry to Busan Cannot Be Delayed Any Longer"

Reaffirming Commitment to Relocation Within This Year

Jeon Jae Su, nominee for Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, is answering reporters' questions as he arrives at the confirmation hearing preparation office set up at Post Tower in Mapo-gu, Seoul on June 25, 2025. Photo by Kang Jinhyung

Jeon Jae Su, nominee for Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, on June 25 reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to relocating to Busan within this year, stating, "We must establish a strategic base in Busan to lead the era of the Arctic route."

Speaking with reporters that afternoon at the Seoul branch of the National Fishery Products Quality Management Service in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, Jeon said, "It is time to equip ourselves with new growth engines to reignite the fading growth engine of Korea," and made these remarks.

Jeon also noted, "Japan and China have been fiercely competing for several years to secure dominance over the Arctic route," and added, "Korea cannot afford to delay any longer if we are to take the lead."

Regarding the background of President Lee Jaemyung mentioning the relocation twice during Cabinet meetings, Jeon interpreted it as "a strong expression of the will to emerge as a leading nation amid global competition."

Jeon also spoke about the need to cluster maritime industries. He said, "To maximize synergy effects, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, maritime courts, financial institutions, and competitive shipping companies must all be concentrated in Busan. Only then can we lead the Arctic route," adding, "From this perspective, the roles and functions of the Ministry must be further expanded."

Regarding the issue of HMM privatization, he stated, "I do not believe that selling is the only option," and mentioned, "There are ways to share performance with the public, as seen with Singapore's Temasek (an investment holding company under the Singapore Ministry of Finance)." However, he added, "This is a matter that should be discussed together with various stakeholders, including creditors."

On speculation about a run for Busan mayor, he dismissed it, saying, "Local elections are not on my mind. Achieving results is the mandate of the people." Addressing criticism about his lack of maritime expertise, he responded, "As a National Assembly member representing Busan, I have paid much attention to maritime affairs," and added, "I will study more and listen closely to voices from the field."

Regarding the future direction of the Ministry's functional restructuring, Jeon said, "There needs to be convergence with the shipbuilding and offshore plant functions of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the port infrastructure functions of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport," and added, "I believe maritime policy and industrial policy must move as one." However, he stated, "This is an area that can be addressed without revising the Government Organization Act," expressing the view that it can be resolved through inter-ministerial consultation and coordination.

On the candidate sites for the Ministry's relocation, he said, "Busan is so large and diverse that we need to carefully consider the optimal location," but emphasized, "This is not just an issue for Busan, but a national-level growth strategy and a 100-year national plan."