'Busan Mayoral Bid' Jeon Jae-soo: "Catalyst for a Multi-Polar System... Will Take the Lead on HMM Relocation"

Democratic Party Nomination Screening Interview

On Bribery Allegations: "There Is Nothing to Worry About"

"HMM Has No Grounds to Oppose Relocation to Busan"

Jeon Jae-su, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea running for mayor of Busan, expressed his ambition on March 17, stating, "As mayor, I will transform Busan into a maritime capital, enabling South Korea to overcome the current unipolar structure and move toward a bipolar, tripolar, and ultimately multipolar system. I intend to play the role of a catalyst in this transition."

Jeon Jae-su, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea challenging for the mayoral position of Busan in the June 3 local elections, is making a cheer pledge during the metropolitan mayoral candidate interview held at the Democratic Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 17th. Photo by Yonhap News

During an interview with the nomination management committee held at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, that morning, Jeon said, "Seoul and the metropolitan area are overcrowded to the point of bursting, while other regions are withering away. By relocating the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, SK Shipping, and H-Line Shipping headquarters to Busan, as well as attracting the Busan Maritime Specialized Court, we have built a powerful infrastructure for Busan to advance as a maritime capital."

He added, "This year, Korea Maritime and Ocean University recorded its highest regular admissions competition rate in 17 years, and Pukyong National University saw its highest rate since its founding. The Smart Port Logistics Department at Dong-Eui University had a remarkable 26:1 competition ratio. These are all positive changes triggered by the relocation of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan," he said.

Jeon further emphasized, "I will devote all my passion and energy to building Busan into a maritime capital, working together with the citizens of Busan to amplify these positive changes. I will ensure that the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region becomes a maritime metropolitan area that can compete on equal footing with Seoul and the capital region, creating a new growth engine in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula centered on Busan."

Jeon Jae-su, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea running for mayor of Busan in the June 3 local elections, is entering the metropolitan mayoral candidate interview held at the Democratic Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 17th. Photo by Yonhap News

Regarding allegations of bribery involving the Unification Church, he stated firmly, "There is not even the slightest need to worry." Jeon pointed out, "Out of the 18 Busan lawmakers, I am the only Democratic Party member. If there were even a shred of suspicion against me, would I be able to give up my only seat in the Assembly and run for mayor?"

He also revealed plans to actively pursue the relocation of HMM, South Korea's largest shipping company, to Busan. Speaking with The Asia Business Daily after the interview, Jeon said, "If I become mayor of Busan, I will take the lead in this initiative. SK Shipping and H-Line Shipping, both of which have no government stake, have already relocated to Busan. Since the government owns more than 70% of HMM, there is no justifiable reason for HMM to oppose relocation to Busan."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.