What is wrong with interfering in politics?
The sentencing of Han Hak-ja, the leader of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, and the trial of Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee raise a question that does not seem to get asked very often in Korea: Why are churches and some social organizations so restricted in their involvement in politics while others aren’t? Han, 83, and legally blind, was sentenced this week to two years in…
The sentencing of Han Hak-ja and the trial of Shincheonji leader Lee Man-hee have brought to light a question that rarely garners attention in South Korea: Why are certain religious organizations and social groups permitted to engage in politics to a greater extent than others? Han, who is 83 and legally blind, was recently sentenced to two years in prison for charges that include approving the delivery of extravagant gifts to former First Lady Kim Keon Hee via a go-between.
She faces additional trials for other alleged financial crimes. Lee Man-hee, 95, is currently on trial for allegedly instructing numerous members of his religious group, Shincheonji, to join the People Power Party in order to sway its nomination and election processes. Prosecutors refer to this as a serious issue of intertwining religion with politics, stating they have identified "the initial instance of a religious entity utilizing its vast resources to influence political affairs."
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- What is wrong with interfering in politics? koreatimes.co.kr
