Seoul: Chun Jae-soo, a three-term lawmaker, has been nominated to serve as the new oceans minister in the Lee Jae Myung administration. Chun, who has been instrumental in shaping Lee's oceans-related election pledges, is set to take on this crucial role.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the 54-year-old Democratic Party member is currently in his third term representing Busan, a city known as a stronghold for the main opposition People Power Party. Born in Uiryeong County, South Gyeongsang Province, Chun holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in political science from Dongguk University in Seoul. He began his political career as a legislative assistant at the National Assembly and was first elected as a lawmaker in 2016 on his third attempt.
Chun recently led the Democratic Party's committee focused on developing Arctic shipping routes, a key component of Lee Jae Myung's oceans policy. This initiative aims to bolster South Korea's maritime capabilities and integrate Busan into a northern shipping route through the Arctic, potentially transforming global trade.
As part of his policy commitments, Lee Jae Myung has vowed to relocate the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries from Sejong to Busan to enhance administrative efficiency. The move is expected to align with Lee's broader vision of strengthening the country's position in international maritime trade.