South Korea’s Minister of Oceans, Chun Jae-soo, resigned on Thursday after being accused of accepting illegal bribes from the controversial Unification Church, a religious group often associated with mass weddings and accusations of influence-peddling.
The Unification Church, founded in 1954 by Moon Sun-myung, has long been the subject of controversy due to its financial dealings and ties with powerful figures. Chun is accused of receiving 30 million won (approximately $20,500) in cash, along with two luxury watches, from the church between 2018 and 2020. The allegations were brought to light by Yun Young-ho, the former head of the church’s global headquarters, during an investigation this year.
Chun denied the accusations but decided to step down from his position, explaining that his resignation was necessary for the government to function without interruption. “As a public official, resigning is the right thing to do,” Chun told reporters on Thursday. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung accepted the resignation, his office confirmed.
The Unification Church, often criticized for its alleged cult-like practices, has been at the center of a broader investigation into unlawful donations and political corruption. The church is linked to several high-profile figures in South Korea, including the former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, and has faced growing scrutiny in recent months.
In a statement, President Lee ordered an official probe into the church’s possible illegal ties with politicians, saying, “Just as individuals face sanctions for crimes, corporations and foundations should also face dissolution if they violate the law.” This follows increasing reports suggesting that lawmakers from both Lee’s ruling left-wing party and the conservative opposition may have received bribes from the Unification Church.
While Chun resigned, other key figures, including South Korea’s unification minister, Chung Dong-young, have denied any wrongdoing. Chung was also named in reports suggesting that he, along with Chun, received gifts and cash from the church. He dismissed the accusations as “groundless false rumors.”
The church, which claims to have around three million followers worldwide, has vast financial interests spanning across industries such as construction, food, education, and media. It is also linked to a high-end ski resort and art institutes in South Korea, as well as a prominent newspaper. In addition, church leaders have been embroiled in multiple legal issues, with church leader Han Hak-ja arrested in September on corruption charges.
The scandal surrounding the Unification Church has reverberated beyond South Korea. In Japan, the government has sought to dissolve the local chapter of the church, following the assassination of former prime minister Shinzo Abe. The gunman responsible for the killing reportedly had a grudge against the church.
This ongoing investigation highlights the deepening concerns about the Unification Church’s influence in South Korea and the potential corruption ties between politicians and religious organizations. The outcome of these investigations will likely have lasting implications for South Korean politics and its relationship with the Unification Church.
