Unification Minister Chung Dong-young speaks in a discussion board on inter-Korean relations in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
Unification Minister Chung Dong-young on Thursday dismissed a information report that he obtained unlawful cash from the Unification Church as “false,” saying he met a church official at the moment on trial solely as soon as and had no additional contact.
A information report stated the day past that Chung, a lawmaker with the ruling Democratic Get together of Korea (DPK), was amongst a number of former and present DPK lawmakers who had allegedly obtained cash and items from Yun Younger-ho, a former high-ranking Unification Church official.
Issuing his response to the press, Chung rejected the report as a “groundless false rumor,” saying he had solely met Yun as soon as.
Chung stated he visited the church’s headquarters in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, on the suggestion of a buddy throughout a bunch journey to the close by area in 2021, when he was not a lawmaker.
He met Yun for tea as soon as at the moment however had no contact with him since, Chung stated.
As for Unification Church chief Han Hak-ja, Chung additionally stated he has by no means met her.
The minister stated he took pleasure in the truth that his identify has by no means been concerned in money-related instances throughout his 30-year political profession, including that he plans to take authorized motion in opposition to information retailers elevating groundless allegations.
A particular prosecution staff has sought a four-year jail time period for Yun on fees of giving Chanel luggage, luxurious gadgets and different valuables to former President Yoon Seok Yeol’s spouse, Kim Keon Hee, in pursuit of favors, in addition to offering cash to members of Yoon’s Individuals Energy Get together.
The scandal confirmed indicators of spilling over to the DPK after it was reported that Yun claimed he had additionally “approached” a number of people who are actually minister-level officers within the present administration between 2017-2021.
Earlier within the day, Oceans Minister Chun Jae-soo provided to resign within the face of allegations that he obtained cash and luxurious items from the church, though he rejected them as “utterly groundless.”
On Wednesday, President Lee Jae Myung ordered a stern investigation into alleged unlawful ties between a non secular group and politicians, no matter political affiliation or rank.
