Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, said during a campaign rally in Seomyeon, Busan, on the 14th, 'I will move the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan,' adding that 'HMM should also move to Busan.'
On the same day, the candidate visited Seomyeon in Busan to deliver a campaign speech, stating, 'It would be nice if we could transfer the Korea Development Bank to Busan, but things in the world don't just happen because one side wants it.'
He further remarked, 'If I had my way, I would like to bring the Korea Development Bank to Busan, but will that happen?' He noted, 'Politics involves making realizable promises and being validated and reappointed by fulfilling those promises.'
The candidate stated, 'I cannot make impossible promises. However, since Busan's economy is struggling and its population is declining, we need to create alternatives,' adding, 'We have created those alternatives. Soon, the Arctic route will open.'
He emphasized, 'The world is set to focus on the Arctic route,' and stated, 'By 2030, the Arctic route will be activated. If we do not prepare now, it will be too late to start preparing when the time comes.'
He announced plans to move the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and shipping companies to Busan in preparation for this. The candidate promised, 'I will move the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, which will play the most important role in making Busan a marine capital.'
Additionally, he stated, 'I will make HMM, the largest shipping corporation in Korea, also move to Busan,' noting, 'It may not be easy as it is a private corporation, but it is not impossible given the government's equity stake.'
On the day of the rally, the candidate also held a policy commitment ceremony with the head of the HMM labor union and the president of Korea Maritime and Ocean University.