Seoul: Unification Minister Chung Dong-young on Thursday dismissed a news report that he received illegal money from the Unification Church as "false," asserting he met a church official currently on trial only once and had no further contact.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the report suggested that Chung, a lawmaker with the ruling Democratic Party (DP), was among several former and current DP lawmakers who allegedly received money and gifts from Yun Young-ho, a former high-ranking Unification Church official. Chung promptly rejected these claims, labeling them as "groundless false rumors."
Chung clarified that he had only visited the church's headquarters in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, during a group trip in 2021, before his tenure as a lawmaker, and met Yun for tea on one occasion. He emphasized he has had no contact with Yun since that meeting.
Additionally, Chung asserted he has never met Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja. He expressed pride in his unblemished 30-year political career and announced plans to pursue legal action against media outlets propagating these allegations.
A special prosecution team has demanded a four-year prison sentence for Yun, who is accused of providing Chanel bags, luxury items, and other valuables to former President Yoon Seok Yeol's wife, Kim Keon Hee, and offering money to members of Yoon's People Power Party in exchange for favors.
The controversy threatens to impact the DP, as reports have surfaced that Yun claimed to have "approached" several individuals who are now minister-level officials in the current administration between 2017-2021.
Earlier, Oceans Minister Chun Jae-soo tendered his resignation amid accusations of receiving money and luxury gifts from the church, though he dismissed these allegations as "completely groundless."
On Wednesday, President Lee Jae Myung called for a rigorous investigation into the alleged illicit connections between the religious group and politicians, emphasizing that inquiries should proceed regardless of political affiliation or rank.