Presidential Office: "Resignation Will Be Processed According to Procedure"
Just One Day After President Lee Ordered a Thorough Investigation "Regardless of Party Affiliation"
Jeon Jaesu Announces Resignation on the Morning of the 11th
Busan Mayo
President Lee Jaemyung has decided to accept the resignation of Jeon Jaesu, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, who is embroiled in allegations of receiving money from the Unification Church. This decision comes just one day after President Lee ordered a thorough investigation into the suspected collusion between the Unification Church and the Democratic Party of Korea. This is the first time a sitting minister in the Lee Jaemyung administration has stepped down.
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 Jin-hyung
The presidential office announced on the 11th, "President Lee Jaemyung will accept the resignation of Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Jeon Jaesu," adding, "The resignation will be processed according to procedure." At the cabinet meeting on the 2nd, President Lee stated, "Any foundation that engages in condemnable acts in violation of the Constitution and the law should be dissolved." The previous day, he instructed, "Regardless of party affiliation or rank, conduct a strict investigation into the alleged collusion between the Unification Church and the Democratic Party of Korea."
That morning at Incheon International Airport, former Minister Jeon met with reporters and expressed his intention to resign, stating, "Stepping down from my position and responding confidently to the investigation and verification is the proper course of action for a public official." While dismissing the allegations against him as "absurd and completely groundless," he also said, "The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries must not be shaken, and the Lee Jaemyung administration must not be burdened."
He further explained the background of his decision, saying, "Although these suspicions are based on false information, I believe it is right for me to step down so that my work is not disrupted." He emphasized, "The allegations are completely baseless," and added, "I can state unequivocally that there was no illegal receipt of money." He went on to say, "Whether it is through future investigative procedures or comprehensive explanations based on various materials, I will reveal the truth to the public."
The special prosecutor's team led by Kim Kunhee reportedly obtained testimony from Yoon Youngho, former global director of the Unification Church, stating that "around 2018 to 2020, I delivered approximately 40 million won in cash and two luxury watches to Assemblyman Jeon Jaesu." Yoon also reportedly testified that "the Unification Church provided support not only to members of the People Power Party but also to Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers."
As a result, the Democratic Party of Korea, which had been seeking to reclaim the position of Busan mayor following the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, is now facing a dilemma. This is because the candidacy of former Minister Jeon, who was considered a strong contender to challenge incumbent Mayor Park Hyungjun in his bid for a third term, has become uncertain. Moreover, there are few other candidates with the same level of policy experience and public recognition as former Minister Jeon.
How former Minister Jeon will address the allegations of collusion with the Unification Church is expected to be a key issue going forward. If the allegations are quickly resolved, his image as a politician who takes responsibility could become a political asset. Park Soohyun, chief spokesperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, emphasized in an interview with MBC Radio that day, in response to a question about the potential impact on the Busan mayoral race, "If it is revealed that 'these allegations against former Minister Jeon are false' and 'they are not true,' it could actually become an opportunity for him to grow into an even greater politician."
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