Former Minister Chun Jae-soo told employees of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) on the 11th, "You do not need to worry at all about the baseless suspicions raised against me," adding, "Please stay focused on your work without wavering."
After allegations surfaced that the former Minister received money and valuables from the Unification Church, he offered to resign that day, and President Lee Jae-myung accepted it.
In his farewell address, the former Minister said, "At this critical moment when the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) transfer to Busan is in full swing, I feel truly heavy-hearted to be leaving my post like this."
"At the biggest turning point in history—the transfer of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) to Busan—I determined that the ministry's achievements and performance must not be shaken because of me," he said. He continued, "I will continue, as the strongest supporter of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, to add strength to fostering the maritime capital area."
The former Minister also said, "The Northern Sea Route is a new route that opens Korea's tomorrow, and fostering the maritime capital area is a strategic turning point that equips the nation with a new growth engine."
He added, "With the mindset that your workplace is the front line of opening Korea's future, take pride and be sure to complete the fostering of the maritime capital area."