Shincheonji Founder's Aide Questioned Over Lobbying Allegations
Quick Look
- Investigators questioned Kim Pyung-hwa, a close aide to Shincheonji Church founder Lee Man-hee, over allegations of political lobbying and embezzlement of church funds.
- Lee is already under arrest for allegedly pressuring members to join a political party.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Investigators are questioning a close aide to the Shincheonji Church founder over allegations of political lobbying and embezzlement. The founder is already under arrest for pressuring members to join a political party.
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Investigators on Wednesday questioned a close aide to Lee Man-hee, the founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, over allegations that Lee lobbied political circles, legal sources said.
A joint police-prosecution task force called in Kim Pyung-hwa earlier in the day to determine whether Lee and the religious sect's former secretary-general, Go Dong-an, embezzled church funds and lobbied politicians.
Kim has served as Lee's primary assistant, overseeing administrative duties at the church's general assembly.
Lee is currently under arrest on charges of pressuring at least 56,472 church members to join what is now the main opposition People Power Party between July 2021 and January 2024 in an attempt to influence the outcome of the party's 2022 presidential primary and 2024 general election primaries.
The trial is scheduled to begin on July 24.
Open Questions
- Will Kim Pyung-hwa provide incriminating evidence?
- What is the extent of the alleged embezzlement?
- Will Lee Man-hee face further charges?
