Minister Jeon Jae-su Resigns... Busan Mayoral Race in Turmoil

Claims Innocence Amid Bribery Allegations, Announces Resignation
Democratic Party’s Strategy to Reclaim Busan Mayoralty
Disrupted by Ministry Relocation Record
Resignation Seen as Opportunity for People Power Party Seeking to Retain Mayoral

The local political scene in Busan has been thrown into turmoil after Jeon Jae-su, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries and a leading candidate for mayor from the Democratic Party, expressed his intention to resign on December 11. Minister Jeon, who is facing allegations of receiving money from the Unification Church, asserted his innocence while announcing his decision to step down.

Upon returning to Korea through Incheon International Airport on December 11, Minister Jeon stated, "Although these claims are based on false information, I believe it is only right for me to step down as Minister of Oceans and Fisheries so that the ministry can continue its work without disruption." Jeon is alleged to have received two luxury watches and tens of millions of won from Yoon Young-ho, former head of the Unification Church's World Headquarters. Minister Jeon has firmly denied any illegal receipt of money or goods, stating that he will prove his innocence through legal action.

The Democratic Party, which had hoped to reclaim the Busan mayoral seat through Minister Jeon, who played a key role in relocating the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, now faces a political setback. There are doubts as to whether the party can find another candidate with a comparable track record and public recognition. Within the Democratic Party, former Busan party chair Lee Jae-seong and former lawmaker Park Jae-ho are being mentioned as potential candidates. In the case of former lawmaker Choi In-ho, he has recently applied for the presidency of the Korea Housing and Urban Guarantee Corporation (HUG).

On December 11, Jeon Jae-su, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, who is involved in allegations of receiving money from the Unification Church, expressed his intention to resign after returning through Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport. 2025.12.11 Photo by Kang Jin-hyung

However, some believe that if Minister Jeon is able to clear his name quickly, he could once again be recognized as a leading candidate for mayor of Busan. Park Soo-hyun, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, emphasized this point in an interview with MBC Radio, responding to a question about whether the situation could affect the Busan mayoral race by saying, "If it is revealed that these allegations against Minister Jeon are false, it could actually become an opportunity for him to grow into an even greater political figure."

The People Power Party, which aims to retain control of the Busan mayoralty, expects Jeon's resignation to work in its favor. Previously, the mayoral race was seen as a two-way contest between Minister Jeon and Mayor Park, but with Jeon's candidacy now uncertain, the party sees the situation as more favorable. As a result, it is expected that more hopefuls within the party will declare their intention to run for mayor of Busan.

One lawmaker representing a Busan district commented, "Minister Jeon, who was a formidable candidate, is unlikely to run in next year's election, and there does not appear to be any viable alternative within the Democratic Party. Our party now has a real chance." A key member of the party leadership also stated, "The allegations of receiving money from the Unification Church and Minister Jeon's resignation are positive developments for the People Power Party. Lawmakers are genuinely becoming more optimistic." In addition to Mayor Park, lawmakers Kim Do-eup (four-term, Gangseo, Busan) and Cho Kyung-tae (six-term, Saha-eul, Busan) are also being discussed as potential candidates.