Minister Jeon Jae-soo of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, who faced allegations that he received money and valuables from the Unification Church, offered to resign on the 11th.
Meeting with reporters at Incheon Airport on the morning of the day, Minister Jeon said his intention to step down, saying, "As a public official, it is proper to resign as minister and respond with confidence."
Minister Jeon said, "It is a ridiculous controversy related to me, but one that has no basis whatsoever," while adding, "The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), or the Lee Jae-myung administration, must not be shaken."
He went on, "Although it is based on false information, I think it would be appropriate for me to step down as minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries so that work can proceed without disruption."
Minister Jeon dismissed the allegations of receiving money and valuables from the Unification Church as "completely groundless." Jeon said, "There was absolutely no illegal receipt of money or valuables," and added, "This will be clarified either through a subsequent investigation or by my explaining to the public after compiling various matters, or through a press briefing."