President Lee Orders Nationwide Political Ethics Investigation
President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea has ordered a wide-ranging investigation into claims that religious organizations and politicians are working together in ways that are against the law. The order applies to all officials, no matter what their level, political party, or power inside government institutions.
Lee’s government made it clear that there will be no exceptions for MPs from any party. The investigation’s goal is to increase governmental openness and restore public confidence as public anxiety grows.
Lee Wants to Limit Religious Influence in Politics
President Lee told ministers at a televised cabinet meeting to find and break up religious groups that are involved in political manipulation or illegal money-making. His comments are part of a larger attempt to keep faith-based groups out of politics.
Lee asked for a look at how South Korea’s judicial system works when it comes to breaking apart religious groups that are doing wrong. He said it was like Japan’s recent actions against groups accused of interfering in politics and committing financial crimes.
Unification Church Under More Scrutiny After Scandal
Lee didn’t mention a specific group, but a lot of legislators thought he was talking about the Unification Church. Han Hak-ja, the leader of the organization, is presently facing accusations for allegedly bribing former first lady Kim Keon Hee.
Prosecutors say that money changed hands in return for political favors and power within governmental organizations. Han says he did nothing illegal and that the payments to the group were lawful and made public.
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Political Fallout From Ousted President Yoon’s Administration
The probe comes after a number of corruption scandals involving former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, who are suspected of taking bribes and breaking martial law rules. Their activities led to protests all around the country in late 2024.
Lee’s government has framed the present investigation as part of a larger fight against corruption. It wants to show that political change will go on even if some people don’t want it to.
Reports Suggest Lawmakers Linked to Religious Funding
Reports from South Korean media say that other members of Lee’s ruling party may have also gotten money from the Unification Church. The accusations have led to more calls for accountability and independent verification.
Reports say that the police have started looking into money transfers between church members and political offices. Investigators are looking into campaign donations, lobbying, and ways to raise money that aren’t recorded.
Legal and Diplomatic Parallels With Japan’s Actions
Lee especially talked about how Japan’s laws deal with religious groups who are involved in financial crimes. A Tokyo court recently ordered the Unification Church to shut down because of similar claims of political influence.
If there is enough evidence of a crime, South Korean law experts think the government may take similar steps. This would be a historic attempt to change the line between religion and state in South Korea.
Transparency Drive Aims to Rebuild Public Trust
The presidential office said that the investigation’s goal is to make sure that faith-based groups follow the law and that the government is honest. Lee stressed that moral transformation is necessary for democracy to be strong.
If the inquiry is successful, it might lead to big changes in how campaign money, lobbying disclosure, and monitoring of religious groups are handled. People have been cautiously hopeful as they wait for real responsibility.
