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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [POLITICS]

2 clusters · 2 sources · 24 days · First seen · Last updated

Shincheonji Church political collusion investigation

Overview

The Shincheonji Church of Jesus initially denied allegations made by South Korean lawmaker Song Young-gil, who claimed approximately 110,000 members joined the People Power Party to influence the 2021 presidential primary. The church stated it found “no objective evidence” for these claims and threatened legal action against those spreading what it called unfounded accusations.

However, following an eight-month joint investigation by police and prosecutors, 32 individuals were indicted, including Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee. Investigators alleged the group coerced members to join the People Power Party to influence election results between 2021 and 2024. In addition to political collusion, Shincheonji officials face charges of tax evasion totaling approximately 7.57 billion won, embezzlement of 1.9 billion won, and misappropriation of funds related to land sales.

Entities

Hak Ja Han · Democratic Party of Korea · Shincheonji Church of Jesus · Song Young-gil · Shincheonji

Timeline

  1. 12 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Shincheonji and Unification Church leaders indicted in collusion probe

    South Korean investigators have indicted 32 individuals, including leaders of Shincheonji and the Unification Church, for political collusion, tax evasion, and illegal political donations.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Shincheonji Church Denies Alleged Mass Membership in South Korea's People Power Party

    Shincheonji Church of Jesus denies a lawmaker’s claim that 110,000 members joined South Korea’s People Power Party in 2021 and vows legal action against the allegations.

Sources

english.hani.co.kr · hani.co.kr