Seoul:The Unification Church foundation attempted to sell assets valued at 52.3 billion won (approximately US$39 million) while facing an investigation for corruption linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol, a lawmaker revealed on Wednesday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Foundation for the Support of HSA-UWC, associated with the Unification Church, submitted two applications to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in December and March to sell its land and buildings. Both applications were denied, as stated by Rep. Jin Sun-mee of the ruling Democratic Party, citing ministry reports.

Nonprofit organizations, such as religious foundations, are required by law to seek ministry approval before selling core assets, including land and buildings. The foundation's first application in December aimed to sell assets worth roughly 52 billion won in Seoul. The ministry dismissed the request, citing a lack of justification for the asset sale without a concrete plan for their use, especially during an ongoing investigation.

In March, the foundation's second application sought to dispose of assets valued at about 300 million won in Gapyeong, east of Seoul. This request faced rejection for similar reasons.

Currently, the church's leadership is undergoing trial on charges of bribery, election meddling, and embezzlement. Rep. Jin has called on the ministry to revise its guidelines to prevent asset disposals by organizations under investigation, noting that while the current rules specify approval authority, they lack clear grounds for denying such requests.