Unification Church, Shincheonji face probe over possible disbandment
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With joint probe underway, experts question efficacy of revoking religious foundation’s registration
Investigations into the Unification Church and the Shincheonji Church of Jesus — two religious groups widely regarded as cults — which could result in their dissolution, began this week, amid concerns voiced by senior figures about the harm they are causing to society.
Last week, a joint prosecution-police task force comprising 47 investigators was established to probe alleged collusion between the religious groups and politicians. This followed claims last year that the Unification Church had engaged in illicit lobbying of politicians, prompting President Lee Jae Myung to call for a coordinated investigation last month.
Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja was detained last year over allegations that she provided luxury goods to former first lady Kim Keon Hee in 2022 in exchange for favorable treatment. It has also emerged that the group sought contact with the Democratic Party of Korea that year.
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On Monday, Lee agreed with religious leaders at a luncheon who said that the harm caused by pseudo-religious cults, including the two groups in question, is severe and must be firmly addressed.
“While it is a very difficult issue, the harm (linked to such groups) inflicted on our society has been left unattended for far too long and has become severe,” Lee said.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Tuesday described the groups as a “social evil that must be eradicated” and urged the joint task force to carry out a thorough investigation.
Read more https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/amp/southkorea/society/20260115/unification-church-shincheonji-face-probe-over-possible-disbandment
Content retrieved from: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/amp/southkorea/society/20260115/unification-church-shincheonji-face-probe-over-possible-disbandment.
