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 Lee Man-hee have sparked a debate in Korea about the restrictions placed on churches and social organizations when it comes to political involvement. Han, an 83-year-old legally blind leader, was recently sentenced to two years in prison for political funding and related offenses. He was found guilty of approving the delivery of luxury items, such as a Chanel handbag and diamond necklace, to former First Lady Kim Keon Hee via a middleman. Han now faces additional charges for other alleged financial misdeeds.
Lee Man-hee, a 95-year-old Shincheonji leader, is currently on trial for allegedly instructing tens of thousands of his followers to join the People Power Party in order to sway primary elections and the actual vote. Prosecutors characterize this case as a significant instance of religious-political collusion, having uncovered what they believe to be the first documented instance of a religious group leveraging its substantial influence to sway the political landscape for personal gain.
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.
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- What is wrong with interfering in politics? koreatimes.co.kr
