President Lee Accepts Resignation of Oceans Minister Jeon Amid Bribery Allegations

President Lee Jae-myung accepted the resignation of Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Jeon Jae-su on Friday, less than half a day after the minister offered to step down amid allegations of receiving money from the Unification Church.

The Presidential Office announced through a text message statement that "President Lee Jae-myung will accept the resignation of Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Jeon Jae-su. The resignation will be processed according to procedures."

Jeon, who had been visiting the United States to bid for hosting the UN Ocean Conference, announced his resignation upon arriving at Incheon International Airport earlier Friday.

"Stepping down from the minister position and responding to this matter with dignity is what a public servant should do," Jeon told reporters.

The minister dismissed the allegations as "absurd and completely groundless," adding that "the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and the Lee Jae-myung administration, must not be shaken."

"Although this is based on false claims, I believe it is appropriate for me to step down as minister so that work can continue without disruption," he said.

Jeon firmly denied any wrongdoing. "There was absolutely no illegal receipt of money or gifts," he said. "This will be clarified through future investigations or through a press conference where I will explain everything to the public."

He acknowledged concerns that his resignation might be seen as an admission of guilt. "I worried that stepping down might create misunderstanding that I am admitting to the allegations," he said. "But this resignation is an expression of my determination to address this matter more responsibly and with dignity."