BUSAN — Chun Jae-soo was elected mayor of Busan on June 4, 2026, receiving 50.5 percent of the votes. The election followed his resignation as South Korea's minister of ocean and fisheries in December 2025 amid allegations of bribery.

Chun announced his resignation on December 11, 2025, stating his intention to "confidently respond to the investigations without being a minister." He arrived at Incheon International Airport on the same day. Allegations had surfaced claiming that he received 40 million won in cash and two designer watches from a cult group, which Chun denied.

The Democratic Party nominated him to run for mayor of Busan in April 2026. The day after his party nomination, authorities decided not to press charges against him for alleged graft. Investigators had identified a watch allegedly given to him and traced it to an acquaintance and a watch repairer. However, they found no direct evidence that he received the alleged watch and cash. His staff were charged with destruction of evidence for wiping computers and damaging memory hardware.

A cult group purchased hundreds of copies of Chun's autobiography. Authorities concluded there was not enough evidence to establish his awareness of the cult's purpose in these purchases. The People Power Party stated, "He was given an indulgence."

In the mayoral election, Chun secured approximately 46,000 more votes than the incumbent mayor from the People Power Party. On June 11, 2026, he attended a meeting of the Busan Sports Council. During his tenure as minister, Chun moved the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries to Busan from an inland city. He also persuaded HMM, South Korea's largest container shipping company, to relocate its head office to Busan.

Chun plans to convince the government to establish a dedicated maritime policy committee under the direct control of the president. He intends for Busan to be the home base for South Korean ships operating on the Northern Sea Route, a policy he initiated by creating a dedicated department within the Ocean Ministry for this route. His transition committee has met with Busan's shipbuilding companies, their part suppliers, and researchers.

Why It Matters

Chun's election as mayor of Busan occurred after a period of controversy involving allegations of bribery and his resignation from a ministerial position. He secured the political office following legal proceedings. His previous actions as minister, such as relocating the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries and HMM's headquarters to Busan, and his current plans for a dedicated maritime policy committee and establishing Busan as a Northern Sea Route home base, indicate a focus on enhancing the city's maritime influence. This direction aligns with Busan's existing global standing as second in transshipment volume and fourth in shipping connectivity.