On the 11th, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Jeon Jae-soo, who abruptly resigned two days after allegations emerged that he received money or valuables from the Unification Church, said, “You do not need to worry at all about the groundless allegations raised against me.”

In a farewell address sent to officials of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries that day, former Minister Jeon stated, “At this important time when the (ministry headquarters) relocation to Busan is in full swing, I feel truly heavy-hearted to be leaving my post like this.”

Explaining why he stepped down, former Minister Jeon said, “In a situation where we are passing through the greatest turning point in history, the ministry’s relocation to Busan, I determined that the ministry’s achievements and performance must not be shaken because of me.”

Former Minister Jeon said, “I ask all of you employees to devote yourselves to your duties without wavering,” and added, “Wherever I am, I will remain the ministry’s strongest supporter and add strength to fostering the maritime capital region.”

He said, “The voyage of about 140 days that I shared with you was short, but the outcomes and achievements we created together will become the foundation of ‘a maritime powerhouse, the Republic of Korea’,” and urged, “Please complete the fostering of the maritime capital region.”

President Lee Jae-myung approved the dismissal of former Minister Jeon that day.