Seo Samsuk: "Let's Strengthen MOF Authority to Prepare for Korea's Leap as a Maritime Power"

"Introduction of Multiple Vice Ministers and Establishment of a National Maritime and Fisheries Committee"
"Expansion of Budget and Authority Needed to Address Current Issues"
Emphasized at the Confirmation Hearing for the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Nominee

Seosamsuk, member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Seo Samsuk, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Yeongam, Muan, and Shinan in South Jeolla Province, called for strengthening the authority of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (hereafter referred to as MOF) and introducing a multiple vice minister system and a National Maritime and Fisheries Committee during the confirmation hearing for Jeon Jae-soo, the nominee for Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, held on July 14.

Seo pointed out, "While the world is engaged in fierce maritime competition, led by the Arctic route, and there are mounting challenges such as responding to climate change and the risk of population extinction, the current size and authority of the MOF make it impossible to respond adequately." He further noted, "Despite the importance of the maritime sector, the MOF's budget accounts for only 1% of the government's total budget, the lowest among economic ministries."

He continued, "To become a leading maritime nation, we must integrate maritime affairs and strengthen the ministry's functions and roles," proposing the transfer of shipbuilding and island policy affairs to the MOF. Currently, the MOF oversees the shipping industry, from securing shipbuilding funds to ship operation and decommissioning, but shipbuilding itself is managed by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, making it difficult to create synergies.

Seo emphasized, "Major maritime powers such as the United States, Japan, and China manage shipping and shipbuilding in an integrated manner. Therefore, we should also transition to an integrated management system centered on the MOF to ensure policy coherence and strengthen competitiveness in advancing into the Arctic route."

He also mentioned the need for integrated policies for the 800,000 island residents. Seo stated, "Islands are at the forefront of the population extinction crisis, yet related affairs are dispersed across five ministries, including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, leading only to short-term policies. We must transfer primary responsibility for islands to the MOF to design sustainable development policies for islands."

In addition, he said, "To make this a reality, the introduction of a multiple vice minister system and a National Maritime and Fisheries Committee is necessary in line with the MOF's relocation to Busan. By introducing multiple vice ministers, two vice ministers responsible for maritime and fisheries affairs, respectively, should lead policy formulation and address pressing issues."

Furthermore, he stated, "Establishing a National Maritime and Fisheries Committee under the President would send a strong message that the President is directly addressing maritime and fisheries issues. I hope you will propose its establishment so that cross-ministerial maritime policies can be coordinated and a national maritime strategy can be pursued."

In response, nominee Jeon Jae-soo expressed agreement, saying, "I believe the introduction of multiple vice ministers is necessary, and I fully support it," adding, "I will work together with relevant ministries to help Korea become a leading maritime and fisheries nation."

Seo also urged prompt resolution of urgent maritime and fisheries issues, such as the swift introduction of a public passenger ferry system, to overcome the crisis in the sector. He pointed out, "Both the Moon Jae-in and Yoon Suk-yeol administrations included the public passenger ferry system as a national agenda item, but its introduction has failed. Although the necessity was reaffirmed through a research project in 2022, there are neither plans nor willingness to pursue it in the future."

Regarding the Salt Industry Promotion Research Center, Seo said, "Contrary to its founding purpose, there are no research and development personnel for salt, and the positions are temporary," calling for greater support and attention. He also raised the need for expanding disaster insurance coverage for aquaculture products and increasing manpower in the fishing industry to address the disappearance of fishing villages.

Seo concluded, "I hope that chronic issues raised since 2018 can begin to be resolved together with Minister Jeon Jae-soo of the Lee Jae-myung administration. We will do our utmost to listen to voices in the maritime and fisheries sector, address policy blind spots, and lay the foundation for Korea to become a leading maritime and fisheries nation."