Firm Denial of Allegations, but Resignation Made to Ease Burden on State Affairs
Future Moves, Including Possible Candidacy, Hinge on Outcome of Special Investigation
Jeon Jae-su, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, who is implicated in allegations of receiving money related to the Unification Church, is expressing his intention to resign after returning through Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport on the 11th. 2025.12.11 Photo by Kang Jinhyung
Jeon Jae-su, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, who has been accused of receiving money from the Unification Church, announced his intention to step down from his ministerial post on the 11th, drawing significant attention from the political sphere regarding his next moves. Until his resignation, Jeon had made substantial progress on several key policy initiatives, including relocating the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, pioneering the Arctic shipping route, and restructuring the fisheries industry. At the same time, as he has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the Busan mayoral race ahead of the local elections, speculation is mounting that his resignation may be intended to build momentum for his candidacy.
Speaking to reporters at Incheon International Airport on this day, Jeon stated, "Although these allegations are absurd and based on false information, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries must not be shaken," as he expressed his intention to resign. He firmly denied the allegations, saying, "I can categorically state that there was no illegal receipt of money," but added that he would step down as minister and cooperate fully with investigations and verification. His resignation is being interpreted as a decision made to ensure organizational stability and reduce the burden on state affairs, regardless of the truth of the allegations.
After Taking Office: 'Relocation of the Ministry to Busan' ... Full-Scale Vision for a Marine Metropolitan Area
Jeon was appointed as head of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries in July of this year. The issue he focused on most immediately after taking office was relocating the ministry to Busan. In parliamentary audits and public meetings, he emphasized, "Relocating the Ministry is not merely about moving an office, but about shifting the axis of Korea's future growth to the sea." He also proposed the 'marine metropolitan area' strategy, which involves establishing an east-west marine economic belt connecting Busan, Ulsan, Yeosu, Gwangyang, and Pohang, and using this as a foundation to foster integrated growth in the logistics, shipbuilding, energy, and tourism industries.
Throughout this process, he accelerated practical tasks such as adjusting the functions of organizations subject to relocation, securing local acceptance in Busan, and coordinating with other ministries. Previously, the relocation discussion had been limited to political debate, but Jeon is credited with shifting it to the 'implementation stage' by launching policy feasibility analyses and legal reviews.
Jeon also dedicated efforts to preparing for the opening of the Arctic shipping route. He launched an Arctic Route Advisory Committee composed of industry and academic experts and announced plans to begin constructing an icebreaking research vessel and pilot operations by domestic shipping companies starting next year. The goal is to secure a competitive edge for Korea's shipping industry as global maritime routes are being reorganized.
Busan Mayoral Candidacy Speculation Rekindled
Before becoming minister, Jeon served three consecutive terms as a lawmaker representing Buk-gu and Gangseo-gu in Busan, establishing himself as a local politician. When he was appointed minister, the Busan political community consistently analyzed that he could be the Democratic Party's candidate for mayor of Busan. In fact, Busan is both his political base and the focal point of the major policy agenda of relocating the Ministry. Within the Democratic Party, there is a consensus that "compared to other candidates, he has clear name recognition and policy competence," recognizing his potential.
With the local elections just six months away in June next year, Jeon had already been classified as a 'strong contender.' In some opinion polls, he was neck-and-neck with Busan Mayor Park Hyung-joon within the margin of error, and there was considerable anticipation for his candidacy within the Democratic Party's Busan chapter.
However, Jeon had consistently stated, "Now is the time to focus on the work of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries," without clearly addressing whether he would run. He did, however, leave room for speculation by saying, "It is impossible to predict everything in life." With his resignation, speculation about his candidacy for Busan mayor is expected to become a major topic in political circles once again.
Future Course Depends on Speed of Allegation Resolution
However, most analysts believe that it will be difficult for Jeon to immediately declare his candidacy while he is under suspicion of receiving money. One Democratic Party official commented, "It will be hard for him to make any moves until the allegations are cleared," adding, "How the situation is resolved will determine his future political path."
Ultimately, Jeon's future will likely be determined by the outcome of the special prosecutor's investigation and subsequent political evaluations. If the allegations are resolved quickly, the perception that "he took responsibility by stepping down as minister" could actually become a political asset. Conversely, if the allegations drag on or new issues arise, the timeline for the local elections will become more distant.
A political insider said, "His support base in Busan, his vision for maritime affairs as a minister, and his experience as a three-term lawmaker would all give him strong competitiveness if he runs in the local elections," but added, "The next few months will be the most critical turning point in his political career."
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