Hwang Jong-woo, the candidate for Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, stated on the 3rd, “I will strive to guide the Arctic route era and develop Busan into a maritime hub.”
Hwang, while traveling to his hearing preparation office located at the Busan Port Authority in Jung-gu, Busan, on the morning of the same day, said, “It is a privilege to be selected as the first minister nominee of the Busan era, and I accept this duty with a serious mindset.”
Hwang was born in Busan in 1967. He completed his high school education at Busan Dong High School and earned a law degree from Seoul National University’s College of Law. He started his career in public service after passing the 38th Grade 5 civil service exam, and has mainly focused on maritime and port policies within the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
He stated, “I believe the experience I accumulated over roughly 27 years at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries was considered beneficial for enhancing the competitiveness of the marine sector (by Cheong Wa Dae). I will strive to meet those expectations.”
◇Leading the ‘Arctic Route’ as the Primary Focus Amid Rising Popularity Caused by the U.S.-Iran Conflict
On the same day, Hwang highlighted the advancement of the Arctic route as his main focus. The importance of the Arctic route has come back into view due to the recent conflict in the Middle East. This route, which travels toward Europe along Russia’s northern coastline, is being considered as a different sea passage instead of the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz.
When asked about his main focus, Hwang stated, “Guiding the era of the Arctic route and genuinely developing a maritime hub,” and mentioned, “The current situation in the Middle East has emerged, which is one of the factors making the Arctic route essential.”
One of the main national priorities for President Lee Jae Myung’s administration is the development of the Arctic route. The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries intends to carry out a trial voyage in September, using a large cargo ship (3,000 TEU-class) to transport 3,000 containers from Busan to Rotterdam. Currently, the route through the Suez Canal covers about 20,000 km and takes 30 days, whereas the Arctic route would reduce the distance to 13,000 km and the journey time to 20 days.
Concerning the move of HMM’s headquarters and public institutions under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to Busan, Hwang stated, “It is important to enhance the competitiveness of the marine industry.” He further mentioned, “To develop Busan into an authentic maritime center, it is crucial to establish a marine and fisheries cluster where the public and private sectors work closely together. A positive feedback loop between them is required.”
◇Busan-based Hearing Preparation Team for ‘Busan-born Minister Nominee’ Also Located in Busan
The team responsible for preparing the hearing for Hwang has set up its office at the Busan Port Authority in Jung-gu, Busan. This is the first instance of a hearing preparation office for a minister-level candidate being established in a regional area. Usually, these offices are set up in Seoul by central government departments based in Sejong.
Choosing to locate the team in Busan, where the ministry has moved, seems to indicate the belief that setting it up in Seoul would not be suitable. It is also seen as representing the dedication to develop Busan into a maritime center.
A representative from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries stated, “Since the ministry moved to Busan at the end of last year, with senior officials and staff based there, the hearing preparation office was established in Busan to enhance operational efficiency.”
When questioned about his expectations for a minister from Busan, Hwang stated, “Even during my time as the head of the Port Logistics Planning Division, I made it a point to visit Busan once a week to tackle problems because Busan plays a major role as a maritime hub. I have always had a strong interest in Busan, and if I am confirmed as minister, I will strive to work diligently on this basis.”
Hwang was nominated 81 days following the departure of former Minister Chun Jae-soo.
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