Minister Jeon Jae-su Resigns Over Allegations of Receiving Money and Valuables from Unification Church

"Although the Allegations Are False, the Government Must Not Be Shaken"

Jeon Jae-su, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, who was implicated in allegations of receiving money from the Unification Church, returned to Korea through Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport on the 11th and expressed his intention to resign before leaving. 2025.12.11 Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

Jeon Jae-su, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, who has been accused of receiving money and valuables from the Unification Church, announced on the 11th his intention to step down from his ministerial post.

Speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport that morning, Minister Jeon stated, "As a public official, it is right for me to resign and face the investigation and verification process with integrity," thereby expressing his intention to resign. While dismissing the allegations against him as "absurd and completely baseless," he also said, "The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries must not be shaken, and I must not become a burden to the Lee Jae-myung administration."

He further explained the background of his decision, saying, "Although the suspicions are based on false information, I believe it is appropriate for me to step down so that work at the ministry is not disrupted." Minister Jeon emphasized, "The allegations are entirely unfounded," and asserted, "I can say with certainty that there was no illegal receipt of money or valuables." He added, "Whether through future investigative procedures or by providing a comprehensive explanation based on various materials, I will reveal the truth before the public."

Previously, the special prosecutor team led by Kim Keon-hee reportedly obtained testimony from Yoon Young-ho, former global headquarters director of the Unification Church, stating that "around 2018 to 2020, about 40 million won in cash and two luxury watches were delivered to Assemblyman Jeon Jae-su." Yoon also reportedly testified that "the Unification Church provided support not only to the People Power Party but also to members of the Democratic Party of Korea."