Lee Junseok: "They Called My Hongmaehwa Tree Planting Sorcery... Bowing Deeply to Han Hakja and Taking Money Is Relying on Religion"

Lee Responds to Unification Church Bribery Allegations in Politics
"If Funds Were Received Even with Deep Bows, That Is Relying on Religion"
References 'Hongmaehwa Tree Planting'... "Conspiracy Theories and Manipulation Are Rampant"

As allegations have emerged that the Unification Church provided illicit funds to political circles, Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party, criticized the political establishment by referencing the previous 'Hongmaehwa tree planting' controversy that was raised against him. On December 10, Lee wrote on his social media, "If someone received funds from the Unification Church while even bowing deeply to President Han Hakja, that would truly be an act of relying on religion."

Lee Junseok, leader of the Reform New Party, criticized the allegations of financial misconduct involving the Unification Church in politics, referring to the past controversy over the "Hongmaehwa tree planting" incident. Photo by The Asia Business Daily

Lee also stated, "There are reportedly more than a dozen politicians from both major parties suspected of receiving illicit political funds from the Unification Church," adding, "The amounts involved are substantial, and there are even allegations that the special prosecutor conducted a selective investigation."

He continued, "Last year, when I planted a Hongmaehwa tree, which is also used as a ceremonial flower, at Chilbulsa Temple on Mount Jiri, some people claimed it was sorcery or something similar. I am curious what those people have to say about this situation," he said. "Those who spread the false rumor that I buried 1 million won under the Hongmaehwa tree have been referred to the prosecution for violating the Public Official Election Act." He added, "As time passes, it becomes clear in broad daylight who has truly engaged in problematic behavior. Because of YouTube channels that spread conspiracy theories without any gatekeeping, people are deluded into thinking that if enough people insist on something, it becomes the truth, resulting in nothing but rampant manipulation."

Previously, on February 29 last year, Lee met with political broker Myung Taegyun, former lawmaker Kim Youngsun, and Chun Haram, floor leader of the Reform New Party, at Chilbulsa Temple in Hadong County, South Gyeongsang Province. At that meeting, former lawmaker Kim reportedly demanded the first spot on the Reform New Party's proportional representation list in exchange for exposing that "Mrs. Kim tried to use her influence to have former chief prosecutor Kim Sangmin run in the Changwon Uichang constituency in the general election." However, Lee has stated that at the time, Kim's allegations were lacking in substance and completeness, so he rejected the demand on the spot.

In relation to this, Myung posted a photo of Lee's Hongmaehwa tree planting on social media, fueling what became known as the 'sorcery allegations.' At the time, there was criticism in political circles that "he planted the Hongmaehwa tree just to get a parliamentary badge." However, Lee explained, "Since it was planted within the grounds of Chilbulsa Temple, I assumed it was done with the abbot's permission. There were about ten people present at the time of the planting, and some were wearing monks' robes." He added, "Since Myung said that former lawmaker Kim was staying at Chilbulsa Temple, I visited at their request, so there was no ceremonial meal or anything of the sort."