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 Unification Church Collusion Can Be Resolved
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, during 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 strictly, regardless of political affiliation or rank."
On the morning of the same day, Minister Jeon met with reporters at Incheon International Airport, stating, "As a public official, it is only right to step down from my ministerial post and face the investigation and verification process with confidence." He dismissed the allegations against him as "absurd and completely baseless," but added, "The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries must not be destabilized, nor should the Lee Jaemyung administration be burdened."
He further explained the background of his decision, saying, "Although the allegations are based on false information, I believe it is appropriate for me to step down to ensure that my duties are not disrupted." Minister Jeon reiterated, "The allegations are entirely unfounded," and stressed, "I can state unequivocally that there was no illegal exchange of money or valuables." He added, "Whether through the upcoming investigation or by providing a comprehensive explanation based on various materials, I will reveal the truth to the public."
The special prosecutor team led by Kim Keonhee has reportedly obtained testimony from Yoon Youngho, former global headquarters chief of the Unification Church, claiming that "around 2018 to 2020, approximately 40 million won in cash and two expensive watches were delivered to Assemblyman Jeon Jaesu." Yoon is also said to have 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 aiming 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 Minister Jeon, who was considered a strong contender capable of mounting a close race against Park Hyungjoon, the incumbent Busan mayor seeking a third term, now faces uncertainty regarding his candidacy. Furthermore, there are few candidates with the same level of 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 factor going forward. If the allegations are quickly resolved, his image as a politician who takes responsibility could become a political asset. Park Suhyeon, chief spokesperson for the Democratic Party, emphasized this point in an interview with MBC Radio, responding to a question about whether the situation could impact the Busan mayoral race by saying, "If it is revealed that these allegations against Minister Jeon are false and unfounded, it could actually become an opportunity for him to grow into an even greater political figure."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
