President Lee Orders "Thorough Investigation Regardless of Political Affiliation"?Action Taken Within a Day
Jeon Jaesu Announces Resignation on the Morning of the 11th
Busan Mayoral Race Thrown Into Turmoil
Key Issue: Whether Allegations of Unifi
President Lee Jaemyung has approved the dismissal of Jeon Jaesu, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, who has been embroiled in allegations of receiving money and valuables from the Unification Church. This decision comes just one day after President Lee ordered a thorough investigation into the suspected ties between the Unification Church and the Democratic Party of Korea. This marks the first time a sitting minister in the Lee Jaemyung administration has stepped down.
The presidential office announced on the afternoon of the 11th, "President Lee has approved the dismissal of Minister Jeon." Previously, at a cabinet meeting on the 2nd, President Lee stated, "Any foundation that engages in acts condemned by the Constitution and the law must be dissolved." The day before, he had also instructed, "Investigate the alleged collusion between the Unification Church and the Democratic Party thoroughly, regardless of political party or position."
Earlier that morning at Incheon International Airport, Minister Jeon told reporters, "It is the proper course of action for a public official to step down and respond confidently to the investigation and verification." He dismissed the allegations against him as "absurd and completely baseless," but added, "The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries must not be shaken, and the Lee Jaemyung administration should not be burdened by this."
He further explained the reason for his resignation, saying, "Although these suspicions are based on false information, I believe it is appropriate for me to step down to ensure that my work is not disrupted." Minister Jeon reiterated, "The allegations are entirely groundless," and stressed, "I categorically deny any illegal receipt of money or valuables." He added, "Whether through the investigation process or by presenting various materials, I will reveal the truth to the public."
The special prosecutor's team led by Kim Keonhee reportedly obtained testimony from Yoon Youngho, former global director of the Unification Church, stating that "between 2018 and 2020, approximately 40 million won in cash and two expensive watches were delivered 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 lawmakers."
As a result, the Democratic Party, which had been seeking to regain the mayoralty of Busan through the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, is now facing a dilemma. This is because Minister Jeon's candidacy, who was seen as a strong contender capable of competing with Park Hyungjun, the incumbent Busan mayor seeking a third term, has become uncertain. Moreover, there are few candidates with the same level of policy experience and public recognition as Minister Jeon.
How Minister Jeon addresses the allegations of collusion with the Unification Church is expected to be a key issue going forward. If the suspicions are quickly resolved, his image as a responsible politician could become a political asset. Park Suhyeon, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, emphasized this point in an interview with MBC Radio, stating, "If it is revealed that these allegations against Minister Jeon are false and unfounded, I believe it could actually become an opportunity for him to grow into an even greater politician," in response to a question about the potential impact on the Busan mayoral race.
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