Statement Issued After Police Raid
Kim Kyuhwan Also Says, "I Did Not Receive Illegal Money"
On December 15, politicians who were subject to police raids over allegations of receiving money and valuables from the Unification Church, including former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Chun Jae-soo, publicly denied the charges and protested against them.
At around 8 p.m. that day, former Minister Chun appeared before reporters outside his office at the National Assembly Members' Office Building and repeatedly emphasized, "There was absolutely no receipt of money or valuables from the Unification Church." He added, "There needs to be material that can supplement the schedule. Since I have to explain many things to the media all at once, it takes time," and stated, "I will either hold a separate press conference or meet with you journalists to organize and announce my position."
It was reported that former Minister Chun, together with his attorney Lee Yong-gu, observed the parliamentary office search and seizure that took place for about four hours starting at 11:20 a.m. that day.
Earlier that morning, former Minister Chun also stated on Facebook, "I want to make it clear that there was not even the slightest illegal receipt of money or valuables." Regarding suspicions that he attended various Unification Church events, he explained that he refers to elderly constituents as 'brother' and 'sister,' saying, "Regardless of whether my brothers and sisters go to church, a cathedral, or a temple, they are precious to me and are my valued neighbors." He clarified that, as a member of the National Assembly, he attended events of various religions, not just those of the Unification Church. He also voluntarily released photos taken with supporters holding the autobiography of Unification Church leader Han Hak-ja ahead of the 2020 general election.
Kim Kyuhwan, former lawmaker and current president of Korea Coal Corporation, held a press conference in front of the National Office of Investigation at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency in Seodaemun District, where a special investigation team has been established. He stated, "I have never received any illegal money from the Unification Church," and added, "I have come to understand what it means to feel so wronged that you want to die." He went on to mention Yoon Youngho, the former head of the Unification Church World Headquarters who triggered the bribery allegations, and said, "I have never even had a single phone call with Yoon Youngho. I will hold him fully civilly and criminally liable for damaging my reputation based on the unverified words of a criminal."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
