Minister Jeon Jae-soo noted on the 14th, "The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is more effective when going to Busan than when located in Sejong."
On this day, Jeon said during the confirmation hearing for the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries at the Agriculture. Food. Rural Affairs. Oceans. and Fisheries Committee of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, "The effect of transferring the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan is much greater than establishing an external office in Busan."
He emphasized, "Transferring the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan does not go against completing the Sejong administrative city or harm national balanced development,” adding, "If the effect of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries being in Sejong is considered 100, then I believe that relocating it to Busan as a hub to properly prepare for and lead the Arctic shipping route era can yield an effect of 10,000."
He stated, "As the ice melts, new sea routes and new shipping paths are opening up," adding, "Countries around the world are competing over the Arctic shipping route, and in some ways, Korea is late."
In response to criticism that the Agriculture. Food. Rural Affairs. Oceans. and Fisheries Committee is lacking expertise because its activities are non-existent, he remarked, "I am from Busan and a member of the National Assembly representing Busan," stating, "You cannot engage in politics without the sea in Busan."
When asked if he plans to run for mayor of Busan in next year's local elections, he replied, "I have no time to consider running for mayor of Busan next year. If I become Minister, there will be a mountain of work waiting to be done."
However, when asked if he could be seen as declaring he would not run, he avoided a direct answer, saying, "How can one know about the affairs of the world?"
He further stated, "I was a politician until just recently, so it is difficult to unequivocally say whether I will run for mayor of Busan or not," adding, "It is not about running for mayor of Busan, but what is important is to go down to Busan with a special mission."
In response to the suggestion that a dedicated Vice Minister for fisheries is necessary, he said, "There are many concerns that the fisheries industry will be marginalized due to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries relocating to Busan," adding that "I believe it is essential to have a dedicated Vice Minister for fisheries to alleviate these concerns."
When addressing criticism regarding his frequent vehicle fines, he stated, "I am sorry and regretful," adding, "I will be more cautious in adhering to traffic regulations."